"Edith, you—mean—that?"
"Yes! Yes!" she answered, and her gaze so intense, seemed to thrill him to life. He struggled to his feet. She arose to support him.
With sudden new strength he held her off.
"No! No! You are his—his by right. God help me!"
Edith leaned forward eagerly.
"George, I was his in life—now death unites us both! I love you, George! I love you!"
"God bless those dear words!" she heard him whisper.
Then with hands imploringly outstretched, he fell at her feet.
CHAPTER XVII.
Edith's Release.