or that of another, before
the greater evil is entirely wrought. I know, and you know, that were
I once dead you could and would set free my immortal spirit, even as
you did my poor Lucy's. Were death, or the fear of death, the only
thing that stood in the way I would not shrink to die here now, amidst
the friends who love me. But death is not all. I cannot believe that
to die in such a case, when there is hope before us and a bitter task
to be done, is God's will. Therefore, I on my part, give up here the
certainty of eternal rest, and go out into the dark where may be the
blackest things that the world or the nether world holds!"

We were all silent, for we knew instinctively that this was only a
prelude. The faces of the others were set, and Harker's grew ashen
grey. Perhaps, he guessed better than any of us what was coming.

She continued, "This is what I can give into the hotch-pot." I could
not but note the quaint legal phrase which she used in such a place,
and with all seriousness. "What will each of you give? Your lives I
know," she went on quickly, "that is easy for brave men. Your lives
are God's, and you can give them back to Him, but what will you give
to me?" She looked again questioningly, but this time avoided her
husband's face. Quincey seemed to understand, he nodded, and her face
lit up. "Then I shall tell you plainly what I want, for there must be
no doubtful matter in this connection between us now. You must
promise me, one and all, even you, my beloved husband, that should the
time come, you will kill me."

"What is that time?" The voice was Quincey's, but it was low and
strained.

"When you shall be convinced that I am so changed that it is better
that I die that I may live. When I am thus dead in the flesh, then
you will, without a moment's delay, drive a stake through me and cut
off my head, or do whatever else may be wanting to give me rest!"

Quincey was the first to rise after the pause. He knelt down before
her and taking her hand in his said solemnly, "I'm only a rough
fellow, who hasn't, perhaps, lived as a man should to win such a
distinction, but I swear to you by all that I hold sacred and dear
that, should the time ever come, I shall not flinch from the duty that
you have set us. And I promise you, too, that I shall make all
certain, for if I am only doubtful I shall take it that the time has
come!"

"My true friend!" was all she could say amid her fast-fallin