A spasm in Stowell's throat seemed to be stifling him.
"I did wrong, Fenella, terribly wrong, but there is one thing I will ask of you."
"What is it, Victor?"
"Not to judge me until you know what I've come to do to-day."
Fenella, deeply affected, thought she caught a glimpse of his meaning.
"Do you intend to resign, Victor?"
"Yes, but that is not all."
"What is, Victor?" She was thinking of his exile, his possible banishment.
"Perhaps I am speaking to you for the last time, Fenella. That's why I am glad you have given me this opportunity of seeing you."
She trembled, thinking he meant suicide, and said in a choking voice,