"And you were forgiving enough to come and see me. Oh, Maud, how little I deserve it!"
"Hush, you mustn't talk like that. Of course I could not let you lie here without coming to you. Some people might be shocked at the idea of a young lady visiting a gentleman in a hospital. But I do what I think right myself. Now, the doctor tells me you are better, and will soon be able to come out. Directly you are ready, you must come to us."
"Come to you, Maud? Your father would never allow that."
"Papa wishes it as much as I do, so be quick and get well. I have such a lot to tell you, and messages to give you, Jack, from your poor dear mother. I was with her till the last."
"I guessed you would be. Poor mother!"
We were both silent for a minute, then I said—
"Maud, can you tell me one thing? How is the woman who was found in the room with me?"
"Dead, Jack. She died while the police were examining her this morning."
The shock was almost too much for me. It was some time before I could realize it.
"Dead? Oh, poor Juanita! Then her wish was gratified after all. She gave her life for mine. Maud, there is the end of a tragedy. Poor Juanita!"