"Look at me!" she commanded.
He turned his grave, smiling eyes down on her. In spite of difficulties, dangers and weariness, he had to smile when he looked at her; he loved her so! His eyes were full of it.
Natalie's eyes fell; her hand crept into his. "You may tell me to-day," she whispered.
He understood. "Oh, my Natalie!" he murmured deeply. "I love you! It breaks my heart to see you suffer!"
She caught up his hand, and pressed it to her cheek. "I am cured!" she whispered with a lift in her voice.
"There is something I want you to do for me," she said presently.
"Anything in the world!" he cried.
"No!" she said. "This is only a little thing—but you mustn't laugh!"
He immediately smiled.
"I want to feel, for a moment, that I have helped you too," she whispered. "Put your head down on my good shoulder."