Adene.

It is really you! [Leads her down.] And you have been by me all this time?

Vera.

[With attempted lightness.] It did seem rather absurd, didn't it? to keep me away from you, when we were such old friends.

Adene.

Friends! [Earnestly.] All the way out to Bhojâl there were two thoughts with me always: "I love Vera Carlyon; I am presently going to die." I had nothing to give; only a little broken end of life. But I said, "That at least shall be hers. I will work for her these last months; I will pile up my little monument to her father's greatness, and die building it."

Vera.

Go on! You found it was the monument of his shame!

Adene.