ow. Every feeble moan she uttered wrung his heart
afresh; and he longed for her to regain consciousness that he might
whisper words of love and encouragement into those fragile ears.

He had almost forgotten the cause of the catastrophe.

Toni's letter had been burned to ashes, and he had not the slightest
idea of her whereabouts; but even Toni's welfare seemed of less
importance during these days of torture; and beyond sending Owen a note
to inform him that his wife was certainly alive, since she had written
to her friend, Herrick had done nothing.

It was quite possible that Eva would die without revealing Toni's
secret; and even though she lived, what guarantee had Herrick that she
would unclose her lips even then?

Although, through her intense suffering, she had an irresistible claim
upon his compassion, her husband did not feel certain that even were Eva
herself again Toni's tragic blunder would be repaired; and although he
was fully determined to do all in his power to bring Eva's restless
spirit peace, there was a possibility that she would return to life as
callous, as heartless, as vindictive as ever.

Yet as he looked at the wan little face on the pillow, he could not
forbear a hope that this terrible disaster would mark a turning point in
Eva's life; and then, as a moan fluttered through the girl's parched
lips, he experienced a horrible fear that for Eva there would be no time
for repentance and reparation.

It was nearly one o'clock on the seventh night when Herrick, watching
closely, saw the grey Irish eyes open suddenly.

He bent over the bed, and found that for the first time his wife was
sufficiently herself to recognize him.

"Jim? Is that you?" Her voice was the merest thread.

"Yes, dear. Do you feel more comfortable now?"

"I feel ... dying," she murmured, still in that thin whisper.
"Jim ... I'm so sorry. I've been a wicked girl--but you must forgive me,
because I'm going to die."

"No, no, dear." His heart stirred within him at the startling change in
her, and he slipped to his knees beside the bed. "You are going to get
better and be my own dear little wife again. There is no need to talk of
forgiveness, Eva. That's all over long ago. Now I have only to love
you."

"I'm glad you've forgiven me." When she had spoken she closed her eyes
again; and Herrick felt himself turn cold, thinking she were dying
indeed.

Presently she re-opened those sunken eyes, and her lips moved faintly.