-you know what is
lacking; finish my 'Theta' and tell the world I died at work upon it. Oh!
for a fraction of my old strength! One hour more to complete my Socrates!
Just one hour! I would ask no more."

She gave him a powerful cordial which the physician had left, and having
arranged the pillows on the lounge, drew it close to the easel, and
prevailed on him to lie down.

A servant was dispatched for Dr. Le Roy, but returned to say that a
dangerous case detained him elsewhere.

"Mr. Clifton, would you like to have your mother brought downstairs and
placed beside you for a while?"

"No; I want nobody but you. Sit down here close to me, and keep quiet."

She lowered the heavy curtains, shaded the gas-globe, and, placing a bunch
of sweet violets on his pillow, sat down at his side. His favourite spaniel
nestled at her feet, and occasionally threw up his head and gazed wistfully
at his master. Thus two hours passed, and as she rose to administer the
medicine he waved it off, saying--

"Give me no more of it. I won't be drugged in my last hours. I won't have
my intellect clouded by opiates. Throw it into the fire, and let me rest."

"Oh, sir! can I do nothing for you?"

"Sit still. Do not leave me, I beg of you." He drew her back to the seat,
and after a short silence said slowly--

"Electra, are you afraid of death?"

"No, sir."

"Do you know that I am dying?"

"I have seen you as ill several times before."

"You are a brave, strong-hearted child; glazed eyes and stiffened limbs
will not frighten you. I have but few hours to live; put your hand in mine,
and promise me that you will sit here till my soul quits its clay prison.
Will you watch with me the death of the year? Are you afraid to stay with
me, and see me die?"

She would not trust herself to speak, but laid her hand in his and clasped
it firmly. He smiled, and added--

"Will you promise to call no one? I want no eyes but yours to watch me as I
die. Let there be only you and me."

"I promise."

For some moments he lay motionless, but the intensity of his gaze made her
restless, and she shaded her face.

"Electra, my darling, your martyrdom draws to a close. I have been
merciless in my exactions, I know; you are worn to a shadow, and your face
is sharp and haggard; but you will forgive me all, when the willows of
Greenwood trail their boughs across my headstone. You have been faithful
and uncomplaining; you have been to me a light, a joy, and