isapproved of my
husband. I might have won him, I feel that I could have won him if I had
tried. But I wouldn't. And afterwards, when my mind was clouded, my
influence was all gone. I wish I could get it back again. I feel as if I
might. But he is keeping away now because of Dinah. And I am afraid too
that he feels I do not want him--" her eyes were suddenly dim with tears.
"That is not so, Stumpy. I do want him. Sometimes--in the night--I long
for him. But, for little Dinah's sake--"

She paused, for Scott had suddenly turned and was pacing the room
rapidly, unevenly, as if inaction had become unendurable.

She lay and watched him while the great tears gathered and ran down her
wasted face.

He came back to her at length and saw them. He stood a moment looking
downwards, then knelt beside her and very tenderly wiped them away.

"My dear," he said softly, "you mustn't ever cry again. It breaks my
heart to see you. If you want Eustace, he shall come to you. Dinah was
speaking to me about it only a short time ago. She will not stand in the
way of his coming. In fact, I gathered that if you wish it, she wishes it
also."

"That is so like little Dinah," whispered Isabel. "But, Stumpy, do you
think we ought to let her face that?"

"I shall be here," he said.

"Oh, yes, dear. You will be here." She regarded him wistfully. "Stumpy,
don't'--don't let yourself get bitter against Eustace!" she pleaded. "You
have always been so splendid, so forbearing, till now."

Scott's lips were stern. "Some things are hard to forgive, Isabel," he
said.

"But if I forgive--" she said.

His face changed; he bowed his head suddenly down upon her pillow.
"Nothing will give you back to me--when you are gone," he whispered.

Her hand was on his head in a moment. "Oh, my dear, are you grieving
because of that? And I have been such a burden to you!"

"A burden beloved," he said, speaking with difficulty. "And you were
getting better. You were better. He--threw you back again. He brought
you--to this."

Her fingers pressed his forehead. "Not entirely, Stumpy. Be generous,
dear! It may have hastened matters a little--only a very little. And even
so, what of it, if the journey has been shortened? Perhaps the way has
been a little steeper, but it has brought me more quickly to my goal.
Stumpy, Stumpy, if it weren't for leaving you, I would go as gladly--as
gladly--as a happy bride--to her wedding."

She broke off, breathing fast.

He l