"It is odd," he said, "how the insidious something which men call Death seems to grow nearer to me day by day. Now, as we stood together, I felt just a touch of the cold hand; the touch was but a feather weight, but any instant it will come down like a giant on its prey. It is terrible to stand as I do, looking into the face of Death; I mean it is terrible for one like me." "You are getting morbid, John," said Jasper; "you always were given to look on the dismals. If you must die, as I suppose and fear you must, why don't you rouse yourself and enjoy life while you may?" To this John Harman made no answer. After a moment or two of silence, during which Jasper watched him nervously, he said;-- "As you have come back so early from the City, can you give me two hours now? I have a great deal I want to say to you." "About the past?" questioned Jasper. "About the past." Jasper Harman paused and hesitated; he knew well that he should never see his brother again; that this was his last request. But dare he stay? Two hours were very precious, and the avenger might even now be at the door. No; he could not waste time so precious in listening to an old, old tale. "Will two hours this evening do equally well, John?" "Yes, if you prefer it. I generally give the evening to Charlotte; but this evening, if it suits you better." "I will go now, then," said Jasper. "Charlotte has told you of her resolve?" "Yes, and I have spoken to her; but she is an obstinate minx." "Do not call her so; it is because of her love for me. I am sorry that she will not marry at once; but it is not, after all, a long postponement and it is I own, a relief, not to have to conceal my state of health from her." "It is useless arguing with a woman," said Jasper. "Well, good-bye, John." "Good-bye," said the elder Harman, in some surprise that Jasper's hand was held out to him. Jasper's keen eyes looked hard into John's for a moment. He wrung the thin hand and left the room. He had left for ever the one human being he loved, and even in his throat was a lump caused by something else than fear. But in the street and well outside that luxurious home, his love sank out of sight and his fear returned; he must get out of England that very night, and he had much to do.