He stared at her, dazed by the sudden glimmering of hope through the blackness of his despair.
"But you said that, even if I should win—" he muttered.
"Yes, yes; he told me there would still be a risk. But I cannot believe it. At least it would not be so grave a risk. Oh, if you can but win, Tom!"
"I'll try," he answered soberly.
"You will win—you shall win! I will help you."
"You?"
"Yes. Don't you understand? That is why I sent for you—to tell you that."
"But you said—"
"I don't care what I said. It's all different now. I see what I should do. I have failed far worse than you. There on that savage coast you required me to do my share; but always you stood ready to advise and help me. Yet after all that—How ungrateful you must think me!"
"No, never!" he cried. "You sha'n't say that. I can't stand it. You're the truest, kindest—"