He caught hold of my hands and held them with burning fingers.
“A little while,” he pleaded, looking at me piteously. “Stay with me a little while longer. Very soon you may know, but not yet—not—yet——”
“Why not?”
“The secret is not mine alone. It is not for me to tell. Be patient, Kate! For God’s sake, be patient!”
“I have been patient long enough,” I murmured. “I shall go away. I can do no good here. I am not even trusted.”
“A little longer,” he pleaded. “Be patient a little longer. It is a terrible burden which has been placed on my shoulders. Help me to bear it. Stay with me.”
“You have Alice——”
“Alice is good, but she is not strong. She is no help—and some day I may need help.”
“I do not wish to leave you,” I cried, with trembling lips. “I do not want to go away. I want to do all I can to help you—yet—imagine yourself in my place! I am groping about in the dark corners, I want the light.”
He looked up at me with a faint, weary smile.