Anything to get
away from her own thoughts. For forty-eight hours she had heard nothing
from the outside world. She had not closed her eyes the night before,
and Friday found her weary and unstrung by her long vigil.

She wondered dully when the sentence would be carried out. She hoped
soon. She pushed her hair back from her forehead nervously. Her
thoughts turned to her aunt and then to Goddard. Surely she would be
permitted to see them; they would not let her face the end alone.

She had never thanked Senator Warren for all his kindness; all that he
had tried to do for her, and all that he had accomplished. At least she
was not branded as a murderess. And yet Goddard had thought her capable
of such an act!

Nancy's eyes burned with hot, scalding tears that fell one by one;
bravely her white lips hushed their moan. She must not lose her
self-control. Resolutely she turned and straightened her few
belongings. She was so absorbed in trying to forget painful thoughts
that she did not hear the sentry open the door, nor a hesitating
footstep that crossed the threshold.

"Nancy," said a pleading voice. The girl wheeled around, the carmine
mounting her bloodless cheeks. Without a word she stepped forward and
was clasped in Goddard's strong embrace. "Do not cry so, my darling,"
and he stroked her hair with loving hand.

"I must--I must--it is the first time I have given way," gasped Nancy
between her sobs. "Oh, Bob, you don't know how I have wanted you; to
feel your strong arms about me; to know"--her voice sank--"to know you
love me in spite of all----"

"Love you!" the man's voice was rough with the intensity of his
emotions. "I love you so it frightens me. God! Why am I so helpless?
You are more precious to me than all the world, and I can do nothing."

"Do you call it nothing to offer to die in her place?" asked a quiet
voice behind the lovers, and Lincoln, who had walked into the room
unheard, closed the door.

Nancy's eyes shone like stars. "Did Bob do that?"--forgetting greeting
in her excitement.

"Yes," replied Lincoln, seating himself on the edge of the bed and
placing his tall hat beside him.

"You will let me, Mr. President," pleaded Goddard vehemently. "I am
blind--helpless--my life will be no loss--I have served my
country--while she----" Nancy clung to him in sudden terror. "I give
you my word Nancy will henceforth be loyal to our Government."

"Seems to me you are promising a good deal," said Linc