"'If it were possible, it would afford me great pleasure. But it is not possible.'
"'Why not?'
"'Do not ask me; you would not understand.'
"'Is it really necessary you should stay here?'
"'Vitally necessary. To leave would snap my heart-strings. I should die.'
"'Silvain,' I said, with all my earnestness, 'sometimes in a man's life there comes a crisis----'
"He stopped me with a firmness and decision which were unanswerable.
"'I do not, I must not seek to know your meaning. Surely you can see that I am suffering. All would be dark, but for the light of one star which illumines the world for me. Not another word. You say you love me. If your love is sincere, you will spare me.'
"'It is because my love is sincere,' I urged, 'that I would give much if I could prevail upon you.'
"But he broke from me and would listen no further.