And
even then, though I knew it was drawing near the limit of my
opportunity, I could find no will to go back."
He sighed.
"That was my last chance.
"We didn't go into the city until the sky was full of stars, so we
walked out upon the high terrace, to and fro, and--she counselled
me to go back.
"'My dearest,' she said, and her sweet face looked up to me,
'this is Death. This life you lead is Death. Go back to them,
go back to your duty--.'
"She began to weep, saying, between her sobs, and clinging to my arm
as she said it, 'Go back--Go back.'
"Then suddenly she fell mute, and, glancing down at her face, I read
in an instant the thing she had thought to do. It was one of those
moments when one SEES.
"'No!' I said.
"'No?' she asked, in surprise, and I think a little fearful at
the answer to her thought.
"'Nothing,' I said, 'shall send me back. Nothing! I have chosen.
Love, I have chosen, and the world must go. Whatever happens
I will live this life--I will live for YOU! It--nothing shall turn
me aside; nothing, my dear one. Even if you died--even if you died--'
"'Yes,' she murmured, softly.
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