"Not just yet—not until I finish my song. I will hurry. 'I can tarry—I can tarry——'"
Again the song was interrupted by a struggle for breath, and she seemed to be swallowing something.
"Put your arms around me—I want to finish." Her voice wavered. She shivered. Then came the words quite clearly, but sounding very far away, "'Do—not—detain—me——'"
Again there was a slight struggle for breath, and her head fell against his breast.
"Ann! Ann! What's the matter, Ann?"
She did not answer.
He put his hand under her chin and turned her face toward him. A film was forming over the half-closed violet eyes.
"Ann! My God! Ann!" The words were wrung from him now in fear and agony.
Warm and close she lay in his arms like a little child—but she was silent.