e me, I'm
afraid, now.

MISS GILPIN (_eagerly_). But you must make her believe! And you must
ask her to marry you. If you're engaged it will give you the right in
her eyes to take her away. You can take her to some private San.
There's a small place, but a very good one, at White Lake. It's not too
expensive, and it's a beautiful spot, out of the world, and you can
live and work near by. And she'll be happy to the very last. Don't you
think that's something--the best you have--the best you can give in
return for her love for you?

MURRAY (_slowly--deeply moved_). Yes. (_Then determinedly._) But I
won't go into this thing by halves. It isn't fair to her. I'm going to
marry her--yes, I mean it. I owe her that if it will make her happy.
But to ask her without really meaning it--knowing she--no, I can't do
that.

MISS GILPIN (_with a sad smile_). I'm glad you feel that way. It
shouldn't be hard now for you to convince her. But I know Eileen. She
will never consent--for your sake--until she is well again. And stop
and think, Mr. Murray. Even if she did consent to marry you right now
the shock--the excitement--it would be suicide for her. I would have to
warn her against it myself; and you wouldn't propose it if you knew the
danger to her in her present condition. She hasn't long to live, at
best. I've talked with Dr. Stanton. I know. God knows I would be the
first one to hold out hope if there was any. There isn't. It's merely a
case of prolonging the short time left to her and making it happy. You
must bear that in mind--as a fact!

MURRAY (_dully_). All right. I'll remember. But it's hell to
realise---- (_He turns suddenly towards the porch door._) I'll go out
to her now while I feel--that--yes, I know I can make her believe me
now.

MISS GILPIN. You'll tell me--later on?

MURRAY. Yes. (_He opens the door to the porch and goes out._ Miss
Gilpin _stands for a moment looking after him worriedly. Then she sighs
helplessly and goes out to the hall._ Murray _steps noiselessly out on
the porch._ Eileen _is lying motionless with her eyes closed._ Murray
_stands looking at her, his face showing the emotional stress he is
under, a great pitying tenderness in his eyes. Then he seems to come to
a revealing decision on what is best to do for he tiptoes to the
bedside and bending down with a quick movement, takes her in his arms
and kisses her._) Eileen!

EILEEN (_startled at first, resists automatically for a moment_).
Step