A groan interrupted his words and Norton leaned heavily against the balcony rail. The doctor's voice was full of feeling as he continued:
"If you have anything to say to her you'd better say it quickly to be sure that it does not remain unsaid."
"Thank you——"
"I have told her nothing more can be done now until the wound from this draining heals—that when it does she can come to New York for a final decision on the operation."
"I understand."
"We leave to-night on the midnight express——"
"You can do nothing more?"
"Nothing."
A warm pressure of the hand in the gathering twilight and he was gone. The dazed man looked toward the fading sky-line of the southwest at Mt. Pisgah's towering black form pushing his way into the track of the stars and a feeling of loneliness crushed his soul.
He turned abruptly, braced himself for the ordeal and hurried to her room. She was unusually bright and cheerful.