"At Cambridge?"
"Yes."
"You had friends there?"
"Yes."
"Among those friends was there one who left suddenly----"
He caught her hand. "Of whom do you speak? I had a friend who went from us suddenly--a friend whom I loved more than all others."
"Oh, my heart! Nay, do not mind me. Speak his name."
"Philip Rowe--good heavens! what have I said?"
He caught her sinking form, and, amidst her tears and grief at the sound of that beloved name, she kept fast hold of Gerald's hand, fearful that he might leave her and call for assistance.
"I shall be better presently. Ah, Philip, my darling! He was my husband, Gerald, and often spoke of you with love and affection." She could not proceed for her tears.