"Write to her," suggests the invalid eagerly.
"There is no surety in the mail. It is safer to go," Reine objects.
But that evening, faithful Dr. Franks, who has come across the ocean to watch over the invalid's health, requests a private interview with Mrs. Charteris.
"I hear that you wish to return to America?" he says, fixing his kind, smiling gray eyes on her quiet face, with its grave, sweet lips and drooping eyes.
"Yes," she answers.
"Is it imperative?" asks Dr. Franks.
"I think so," Reine replies, with some little wonder at his curiosity.
"You are the best judge," he answers, gravely. "Were it otherwise I would beg you not to go."
"Why?" Reine asks, surprised.
"For that poor lady's sake in yonder. Do you know that your going will shorten her days upon earth?"