Hollis drew her into a chair and seated himself beside her, keeping her cold hand in his.
"I will tell you, Marjorie."
But Marjorie did not hear; she only heard, "Good-bye, Marjorie—dear."
"Are you listening, Marjorie?"
"Oh, yes."
Linnet stood very white beside her. Mrs. Rheid was weeping softly.
"They were near a ship in distress; the wind was high, and they could not go to her for many hours; at last Morris went in a boat, with some of the crew, and helped them off the wreck; he saved them all, but he was hurt in some way,—Will does not know how; the men tried to tell him, but they contradicted themselves,—and after getting safe aboard his own ship—do you understand it all?"
"Yes. Morris got back safe to the Linnet, but he was injured—"
"And then taken very ill, so ill that he was delirious. Will did everything for his comfort that he could do; he was with him night and day; he lived nine days. But, before he became delirious, he sent his love to his mother, and he gave Will something to give to you."
"Yes. I know," said Marjorie. "I don't deserve it. I refused it when he wanted to give it to me. I wasn't kind to him."