'Well, well,' I said, trying to speak in a jesting tone, 'I suppose these things will be explained in a better world!'
Mrs. Ellmer came in at that moment, and the leave-taking for the day was easier.
'Won't you stay and lunch with us, Mr. Maude? I've just been preparing something nice for you,' she said with disappointment.
'Thank you, no, I can't stay this morning. The fact is I have to start for London this afternoon, and I haven't a minute to lose.'
Babiole started, and her eyes, as I turned to her to shake hands, shone like stars.
'Good-bye, Mr. Maude,' she faltered, taking my hand in both hers, and pressing it feverishly.
And she looked into my face without any inquiry in her gaze, but with a subdued hope and a boundless gratitude.
Mrs. Ellmer insisted on coming over to the house to see that everything was properly packed for me. As I left the cottage with her I looked back, and saw the little face, with its weird expression of eagerness, pressed against the window.
It was an awful thing I was going to do, certainly. But what sacrifice would not the worst of us make to preserve the creature we love best in the world from dying before our eyes?
