"Eve, you have come! I am not deserving of such kindness—but it is nearly over now, I shall trouble you no longer. Oh, if I could undo the dreadful past what a different life I would lead!"
"Hush, Montague! we have both been to blame. Not more than an hour ago I could have cursed you with my whole heart, but now I trust in God that I am a different being."
The old gentleman had remained in the hall but was now summoned to the bedside where he learned the sad story of the wreck of two human lives.
"I was selfish and wayward; heartless and cruel. Many wrongs have been encouraged because it was all right in the eyes of the hollow-hearted fashionable world. Oh! society! you have much to answer for!"
Mrs. Arnold broke down completely, and gave way to heart-rending sobs.
"Let her weep," thought the old man, "It will do her good."
Montague Arnold now raised himself upon the pillow, but the effort was too much, and he sank back exhausted, murmuring, "It will not be long."
"Oh! Montague! my husband," exclaimed the woman, rushing wildly to his bedside, and putting her arm around his neck, "Oh! my husband, you must not die. We will began life anew, and each hour atone for the past."
"Let us thank a merciful Saviour that atonement has been made both for you and me, Evelyn."
"How came my husband to realize such a change," asked the grief-smitten wife, gazing sadly into the old man's face.