"And she will do nothing?"
"No."
"I fail to understand this. Surely she might give of her abundance to save one who is of her own blood. Would it do any good, do you think, for me to see her? I'll gladly go."
She shook her head. "You don't understand."
He waited in silence for some further word; for her to open her eyes at least. But none was forthcoming; the eyes remained closed. After a while he said gently:
"Perhaps I might understand, if you felt willing to tell me, if the effort is not too great."
She opened her eyes and fixed them apathetically on the strong helpful face.
"I wonder if you could understand—I don't know—you're not a woman—"
"No, but I am human, Mrs. Googe; and human sympathy is a great enlightener."
"The weight here—and here!" She raised one hand to her head, the other she laid over her heart. "If I could get rid of that for one hour—I should be strong again—to live—to endure."