She hesitated for a moment, then bending forward whispered a single word in his ear. His ruddy, dark face changed colour when she spoke, for quite a moment he was silent. “Your father has made a mistake,” he said; then gravely, “such a purpose turns round and crushes the man who holds it in his grasp. His own fell purpose will kill your father. You must drop it from your life, Nancy. Your little sunshiny face was never meant for shadow or sorrow; you have lived too long in the gloom; turn now to the sunshine of our mutual love.” “Oh!” she answered, her voice coming out with a sort of strangled sob, “I love you beyond words.” “To please me, try and put it into words, Nan,” he asked; he gathered her close to his heart as he spoke. “My love is wide as the world and deep as hell,” she replied; “stronger than death, and I think, I think, it could reach even to the heavens.” “And mine for you means madness if thwarted,” he replied. “There is not a man on earth can keep me from winning and holding you. There, you may go to the old man now, for I see you want to; we’ll be man and wife before another moon is passed. I’ll come back in the morning to learn your news. Good-night.” CHAPTER II. HIS WILLING BRIDE. Rowton left the house, clinking his spurs as he did so; Nancy listened to the sound he made with a beating heart. “Suppose father hears,” she thought; but then she remembered that the old man was lying in a state of stupor, which, in all probability, would end in death. He could not, therefore, hear. So far she was safe. Why did her father hate her lover? Why had he cursed the man whom she loved? Well, he was dying, and dead men were powerless to interfere with those who lived. Rowton’s strong will would assuredly win the day, and Nancy would be his bride. “His willing bride,” she murmured, clasping and unclasping her fingers. “It is awful to think of marrying him against father’s wishes, but I know perfectly well that I shall do it. I am incapable of refusing him anything. I love him to desperation, and who can wonder! I love my father, too, but not as I love Adrian.” “Please go upstairs, Miss Follett?” Nancy started and her face turned pale. “Yes, nurse, what is the matter?” she cried. “Dr. Follett is awake and wishes to speak to you,” said the nurse. “Awake! then perhaps he is better!” said Nancy. “No, miss, he will never be that, but he is conscious and he wants you without a moment’s delay. He asked me to leave you with him, so I am going to the kitchen to try and have a bit of supper. He is pretty sure to go off towards morning; there is little chance of this gleam of consciousness lasting long.” “I will go to him at once,” said Nancy.