ther in wrath, or not it was impossible to conjecture.
They might hear her fall to the floor, stricken down by her husband, or
cry out in mortal agony at any moment. The suspense was dreadful.

"Do it! I am ready."

It was Mrs. Abercrombie speaking again, and in a calm, even voice. They
heard once more and with curdling blood, the sharp click of a
pistol-lock as the hammer was drawn back. They held their breaths in
horror and suspense, not moving lest even the slightest sound they made
should precipitate the impending tragedy.

"I have been a good and true wife to you always, and I shall remain so
even unto death."

The deep pathos of her quiet voice brought tears to the eyes of Mr. and
Mrs. Craig.

"If you are tired of me, I am ready to go. Look into my eyes. You see
that I am not afraid."

It was still as death again. The clear, tender eyes that looked so
steadily into those of General Abercrombie held him like a spell, and
made his fingers so nerveless that they could not respond to the
passion of the murderous fiend that possessed him. That was why the
scared listeners did not hear the deadly report of the pistol he was
holding within a few inches of his wife's head.

"Let me put it away. It isn't a nice thing to have in a lady's chamber.
You know I can't bear the sight of a pistol, and you love me too well
to give me the smallest pain or uneasiness. That's a dear, good
husband."

They could almost see Mrs. Abercrombie take the deadly weapon from the
general's hand. They heard her dress trailing across the room, and
heard her open and shut and then lock a drawer. For some time afterward
they could hear the low sound of voices, then all became silent again.

"Give me that pistol!" startled them not long afterward in a sudden
wild outbreak of frenzied passion.

"What do you want with it?" they heard Mrs. Abercrombie ask. There was
no sign of alarm in her tones.

"Give me that pistol, I say!" The general's voice was angry and
imperious. "How dared you take, it out of my hand!"

"Oh, I thought you wished it put away because the sight of a pistol is
unpleasant to me."

And they heard the dress trailing across the room again.

"Stop!" cried the general, in a commanding tone.

"Just as you please, general. You can have the pistol, if you want it,"
answered Mrs. Abercrombie, without the smallest tremor in her voice.
"Shall I get it for you?"

"No!" He flung the word out angrily, giving it emphasis by an