"Do you remember that I once said I wished you might marry her?" he asked.
"Yes."
"It was quite true. You understand now? I could not tell you then."
"Yes. I understand everything now."
"But I am sorry I said it."
"Why?" "Perhaps it influenced you and has hurt your life. I am sorry. You must forgive me."
"For Heaven's sake, do not distress yourself about such trifles," said Orsino, earnestly. "There is nothing to forgive."
"Thank you."
Orsino looked at him, pondering on the peaceful ending of the strange life, and wondering what manner of heart and soul the man had really lived with. With the intuition which sometimes comes to dying persons, Spicca understood, though it was long before he spoke again. There was a faint touch of his old manner in his words.
"I am an awful example, Orsino," he said, with the ghost of a smile. "Do not imitate me. Do not sacrifice your life for the love of any woman. Try and appreciate sacrifices in others."