He faced up as though to attention.
“Go? Where?”
“Need I tell you that?”
“My heart, you are ill—and distraught.”
She raised herself on the pillow with a sudden energy of passion; her poor marred face could not express it, but her voice had a deep, fierce thrill that came from the heart of the world.
“Man, man, do not play with me to-night, as you have played with me these many years!”
“Anne, if you will listen to me—”
“Listen! What have I to hear? This thing lies in my throat—and stifles me. I cannot bear it, I cannot bear to die with it—smothering my breath.”
He breathed out, and tried to hold himself in hand.
“Nan, it is impossible—”