“When he heard her step Rowton raised himself with an effort.”—[Page 305.]
“My wife has come,” he said to Simpkins. “Leave us. Go into another room.”
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN.
Nance fell on her knees by the dying man. She took one of his cold hands in hers.
“Little woman,” said Rowton. “Come close to me, Nance,” he continued in an almost inaudible whisper; “hold my hand tighter—I cannot feel your clasp.”
She put both her hands round it, fondling it close to her breast.
“Are we alone, Nancy?”
“Yes, darling, quite alone.”