"John Staveley was Silver-headed Jack's proper name.
"'He's living here, miss,' said I, 'and he's dying here.'
"'My God!' she exclaimed, and as she staggered, I caught her in my arms. 'Don't tell me that!'
"'Who are you?' I asked.
"'My name is Elizabeth Truelove,' she answered.
"'Jack's Lizzie?' I cried.
"'Yes,' she said. 'Don't tell me that he's dying.'
"'He's dying because he heard that you were dead,' I said. 'You aren't dead, are you?'
"'No,' she said, holding out her hand. A true woman's lovable little hand--real pleasant flesh and blood.
"'I think I can see through it,' I said, when I was convinced she wasn't a ghost. 'Jack's very ill. If anybody can save him, you can. But don't be frightened when you see him. He is much changed. His hair turned snow-white the night he heard you were dead. I've been his nurse till now. You may as well go in and take my place.'