His wife lighted a candle, and tried to comfort the self-tormented man. He said, at length:
"One thing more. Cushion-Kate called after me, that I must make away with myself--I won't do that, for your sake."
His wife stroked his hand, wet with freshly-fallen tears.
"I won't give people the satisfaction of thinking we need sympathy. Leave the candle burning; and then, if I wake up again, I shall know I am no longer in prison. Good-night, we'll go to sleep now."
He slept until late in the day. His wife rose gently and went about her work, carefully avoiding the least noise that might wake her husband. She blessed every moment that brought him sleep and exhilarating strength and health.
CHAPTER XLII.
Thoma was still in the harvest field when Landolin came into the living-room. His wife sat down beside him, and he said:
"You can't think how different food tastes when one has to eat it alone, in prison."
"Don't let your thoughts run back to that all the time."
"Has any one been here to see me?"