The nurse’s distant eyes, that fixed him gently.

“My friend here—she will tell you more than I can

Of the black folly born of feud. Attend her.”

But the still teacher only parted wide

Her capable cool lids, and let him see

Agreement flash between them.

“Someone’s death”—

She forced the words at last—“is cheap to buy.

A minute of man’s time, and breathing stops.

The cost is in the echo; for to cease