He bent, and raised her hands to his lips.
“Never say that again, my darling; my whole life is for you.”
As he left, and looked at the sea, Margery turned once more to the window. Yes, she must go.
Suddenly the misery, the weight of her struggle seemed to overcome her. She had sat and dreamed much; she must now put aside all dreams, and turn to life in real earnest. The sea no longer comforted her, and the words her husband had quoted strengthened the desire that had been growing within her to leave it.
“The tender grace of a day that is dead
Will never come back to me!”
The truth, the agony in those words, struck her with bitter force. She roused herself with a great effort, determined to fling aside all her weakness and face her duty.
The entrance of Pauline checked her musings.
“Miladi is really going!” exclaimed the maid, delight shining in her great black eyes. “Ah, but I am glad! Miladi will be so much better away from this dismal place; it is enough to give one the migraine. Miladi is wise.”
“You are glad to go, Pauline?” questioned Margery, smiling, as she watched the maid bring out a costly mantle and furs for her coming journey.