A smile of relief spread over Kike's face. At that word the awful burden of his morbid sense of responsibility for the world's salvation, the awful burden of a self-sacrifice that was terrible and that must be life-long, slipped from his weary soul. There was then nothing more to be done but to wait for the Master's release. He shut his eyes, murmured a "Thank God!" and lay for minutes, motionless. As the doctor made a movement to leave him, Kike opened his eyes and looked at him eagerly.
"What is it, my boy?" said Morgan, stroking the straight black hair off Kike's forehead, and petting him as though he were a child. "What do you want?"
"Doctor——" said Kike, and then closed his eyes again.
"Don't be afraid to tell me what is in your heart, dear boy." The tears were in the doctor's eyes.
"If you think it best—if you think it best, mind—I would like to see Nettie."
"Of course it is best. I am glad you mentioned it. It will do her good, poor soul."
"If you think it best——"
"Well?" said the doctor, seeing that Kike hesitated. "Speak out."
"All alone."
"Yes, you shall see her alone. That is best." The doctor's utterance was choked as he hastened out.