"Hush! You will disturb Rachel."
He stepped softly into the bedroom; Rachel was slumbering, with a smile on her lips. As he stood by her side, contemplating her sweet and beautiful face, she awoke.
"Aaron!"
"Yes, my life!"
"Is it late? Has Mr. Moss gone?"
"He is still here, Rachel. It is quite early."
She encircled his neck with her arms, and drew him to her. "I have had such happy dreams, dear love! Some good fortune is going to happen to us."
"What would life be without its delusions?" he said, in a sad tone.
"Do not speak sadly, dear. You have borne up so bravely; you must not break down now. Come, come--for my sake, love!"
"For your sake, beloved," he said; and as he spoke the tormenting demon which had been torturing him lost its power.