“You promise?” she said, eagerly.
“I promise all you ask,” he answered. “Oh, why cannot I die, instead of you?”
“You must live and keep your promise,” Lady Enid whispered; then she closed her eyes for a minute, and, in despair, he beckoned to the maid to moisten the pale lips.
The heavy lashes were raised, and the girl’s eyes smiled again.
“I have one great, great wish,” she murmured, faintly.
“It is granted. What would I not do for you, Enid?”
“Make Margery Daw your wife!”
The earl started, and his color deepened.
“If she consents,” he answered, after a moment’s pause, “I will.”
“She is so good—ah, Nugent, you do not know how good! I have grown to love her as a sister. She will watch over you for my sake—when I am gone!”