"I know the summons is coming very soon."
"If I could but believe in your Scottish second-sight——"
"Would you be happy?"
"Happy! I should deem myself the most fortunate man on earth!—if I could believe your Scottish prophecy!"
She came nearer, and her eyes seemed depthless dusky in her pale face.
"If that is all you require for happiness, John Drogue," said she in her low, still voice, "then you may take your pleasure of it. I tell you I know! And we have but few hours left together, you and I."
Spite of common sense and disbelief in superstitions I could not remain entirely unconcerned before such perfect sincerity, though that she believed in her own strange gift could scarcely convince me.
"Come," said I smilingly, "it may be so. At all events, you cheer me, Penelope, and your kindness heartens me.... Forgive my sullen temper;—it is hard for a man to think himself ignored and perhaps despised. And my ears ache with listening for that same gentle tapping upon my door."
"I hear it now," she said under her breath.
"I hear nothing."