"Then we understand each other, and nothing now remains but to say goodbye."
"Have you no word of pity?"
"I am sorry for your foolish passion," she said gently, "but can I say more without lowering myself in your eyes?
"No--you are right. It is best for me to go. The star will never come down from Heaven for me, but it will always shine there."
He caught her hand and touched it with his hot lips.
"Goodbye, Alizon. God--God bless you, my dearest!"
Was it a fancy that a burning tear had fallen on her chill hand? She looked, and lo! her hand was wet. The door had closed--she was alone in the room, deserted both by husband and lover.
"Poor Eustace," she said softly, "I am sorry for his madness; but if he is unhappy I also am miserable. My husband and friend have both left me, but I have always my child."