He sighed.
‘That was my last chance.
‘We did not go into the city until the sky was full of stars, so we walked out upon the high terrace, to and fro, and—she counselled me to go back.
‘“My dearest,” she said, and her sweet face looked up to me, “this is Death. This life you lead is Death. Go back to them, go back to your duty——”
‘She began to weep, saying between her sobs, and clinging to my arm as she said it, “Go back—go back.”
‘Then suddenly she fell mute, and glancing down at her face, I read in an instant the thing she had thought to do. It was one of those moments when one sees.
‘“No!” I said.
‘“No?” she asked, in surprise, and I think a little fearful at the answer to her thought.
‘“Nothing,” I said, “shall send me back. Nothing! I have chosen. Love, I have chosen, and the world must go. Whatever happens, I will live this life—I will live for you! It—nothing shall turn me aside; nothing, my dear one. Even if you died—even if you died——”
‘“Yes?” she murmured, softly.