She sighed deeply, and sank back in the chair.
It was over at last. There was nothing now to do but to take up her cross and follow as she could; there was no more to be said.
Drew waited for her a moment, still standing behind the chair. Then he spoke clearly and firmly:
"Ruth, in Phil's going he left our love to us; for we are permitted to remember the splendid man in spite of the weakness which crippled him. We must carry out every wish of his. I think when this is done—his brave soul will be free from every earthly stain. The good he did; the man he was, must claim recognition as well as the sin that stamped him. Both are actual and real.
"We'll find John Dale if he is to be found. We'll give him all that is his own—his own. But I pray God he is still man enough to claim no more.
"And now, go to bed. You may sleep safely, for you have made yourself ready even for—sacrifice."
"No! no! Ralph."
"Yes! yes!"
He opened the door of the study, and with bowed head she passed out. Then Drew turned and mechanically banked the fire, and left the room orderly, as was his habit.
As he followed a few moments later, the little clock struck the half-hour of one. Much had been lost and gained in an hour's time.