She said, "Yes, dear," and glided softly away.
"It is Miss Celandine he wants," both the young men thought. Jack took the place beside him. He lay still, with closed eyes, resting. Only once he opened them, when a moan from the crowded space outside was heard through the curtain.
"Some one is suffering, Yon Effendi," he said. "Please go and help."
Kevork was left with him alone, his tears falling without restraint.
"Don't, Kevork," he whispered; "there is comfort coming, for you."
Jack returned presently. Miss Celandine, who had not been sent for, came in also, and with her—Elmas Stepanian.
At the sight of the beloved teacher, Gabriel tried to raise himself; but it was more than he could do. He looked at her appealingly. "The hand—that has saved us all—to my lips—once more," he prayed.
Instead of giving him her hand, she stooped down and kissed him, lip to lip, and motioned to Elmas to do the same. In her face he looked earnestly, while he gathered all his remaining strength to speak.
"Oriort Elmas, Kevork has loved you ever since he was at school in Aintab. All the rest are gone from him; I am going now. It is too hard for him to stay here alone. Will you comfort him, Oriort Elmas?"
"If I can," she answered soothingly, as one speaks to the dying.