'I knew you would come,' she said in a very low voice; 'and I knew you would be shocked at the change in me, and at the thought that I was going to die. So I would not send for you--until--until the very last.'
'You should have let me know sooner of your illness,' said Uffington, with tears rolling down his cheeks. 'I was at Brighton when your message arrived.'
'Yes, I know,' said May. 'Mrs. Chadwick and Eleanor are there, are they not?'
'They are,' said Uffington. 'I came straight from their house.'
'Tell me,' said May, laying her thin burning hand on his. 'I always thought you liked Eleanor; was I right?'
'You were,' said Uffington. 'I have told her so, and she has agreed to marry me.'
'Ah, thank God for that!' said May reverently. 'Eleanor's happiness was all I was anxious for; for I loved her very dearly.'
'And she loves you better than any one on earth--better than she loves me, I fancy. She wanted me to bring her to you now.'
'No, no; that would never do--she must not run any risk. Besides,' added May, with a faint sweet smile, 'it is too late now. But I wanted to see you to say good-bye. I could not have died in peace without telling you how truly grateful I am to you for all that you did for me. No brother could have striven harder for his sister than you have done for me. And I was so happy at Woodburn, all brought about by you. I once thought I should have liked to remain there; but it is better as it is--much better as it is.'
She paused for a minute and her eyelids dropped. Then she raised them, looking up at him, and saying, in a still lower voice: