"You know what an operation will mean, Anne," he said steadily. "The end to his agony," she remarked. Outwardly she was calm, inwardly she shivered. "It is absurd to say that he has one chance in a million to pull through. He hasn't a single chance. I appreciate that fact and—so does he." "You are willing to do this thing, Braden?" "I am willing," he said. His face was like death. "And if I should object, what then?" she asked, almost inaudibly. "I should refuse to operate. I cannot pretend that an operation is the only means left to save his life. It is just the other way round. We are supposed to take extreme measures in extreme cases, but always with the idea of prolonging human life. In this instance, I am bound to tell you, that I don't believe there is a chance to save him. We must look the matter squarely in the face." "You said that there was absolutely no chance." She leaned heavily against the table. "I believe there is no chance, but I am not all-seeing, Anne. We never know,—absolutely. Miracles happen. They are not performed by man, however." "Have you spoken to Dr. Bates?" "Yes. He is coming to the hospital, to—to be with me." "He will not attempt to prevent the operation?" "No. He does not advise or sanction it, but he—understands." "And you will be held responsible for everything?" "I suppose so," said he bitterly. She was silent for a long time. "I think I shall object to the operation, Braden," she said at last. "For my sake and not for his, I take it," he said. "I may as well give him the tablets myself, as to consent to your method of—of—" She could not finish the sentence. "It isn't quite the same," he said. "I act with the authority of the law behind me. You would be violating the law." "Still you would be killing a fellow creature," she protested. "I—I cannot allow you to sacrifice yourself, Braden."