Romney pushed the door shut behind him and stepped forward to the woman.... They did not speak. Nifton Bend asked with concern:
"You did not sleep?"
"I was asleep when you sent the tea."
The Hunchback's face was turned from her. Romney saw the broad bent shoulders sag a little. The woman did not see that, but sensed the recoil of the tragic shaft that had entered her lover's heart.... Her eyes instantly left Romney's face. She turned, almost running—her hands to the low shoulders. She was never more beautiful.... Nifton Bend lifted the little teapot from its wrapping in padded silk.
"How long since this came?" he asked.
The voice was calm again, but the tone was hollow.
"Don't drink that. I'll get some fresh for you both," she said. "It must be a half-hour since that came—"
"Moira ... don't call for more now. We will sit down together—we three. Romney has brought us the voice of God from the desert.... I hoped you would rest a little more. I was thoughtless to let them waken you—"
Romney could scarcely credit his listening.
The woman spoke: