Again his eyelids came up. "You won't leave me—Princess Maida. Not for these—last few minutes?"
"No," she half whispered.
"You—cannot—if you would." His whimsical smile returned. "You see? I am—holding you."
For a moment he was silent. His eyes stayed open, staring dully at her. His face and lips were drained now of their blood.
"You're—still there?"
"Yes, Wolfgar."
"Yes—of course I know you are. But I—cannot see you very well—now. You look—so far away."
She put her face down quite close to him. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
"Oh—yes," he said. "That's better—much better. Now I can—see you—very plainly. I was thinking—I wanted to—tell you something. It—wouldn't be right to tell you—except that I'll soon—be gone where it won't make any difference."
He gathered all his last remaining strength. "I—love you—Princess Maida."