He shook his head, and he thought he saw a look of pain gather on her face. “I am sorry,” she said, faintly, “for I must tell you myself.” “Tell me what, Enid?” he asked, his voice almost inaudible. She did not answer at once, but after a while she raised her weak hand and passed it over his brow. “Nugent,” she faltered, her tones a little clearer, “I want you to give me a promise, dear.” “Need you ask for one?” he answered, pressing her hand to his lips, then clasping it firmly within his own. “I want you to be a friend to Margery; she has no one, and I love her. Nugent, my darling, do not look at me like that--there is no hope. Oh, don’t cry, my own dear brother! Listen! I have deceived you”--her voice grew fainter--“I have been growing weaker and weaker every day. This is the finish.” The earl had sunk upon his knees; his face was almost hidden. Lady Enid’s hand, wandering over his hair, touched his eyes--they were wet with tears. “Don’t, don’t! Oh, Nugent, you break my heart!” He was up again in an instant, his grief repressed by an iron will. “You promise?” she said, eagerly. “I promise all you ask,” he answered. “Oh, why cannot I die, instead of you?” “You must live and keep your promise,” Lady Enid whispered; then she closed her eyes for a minute, and, in despair, he beckoned to the maid to moisten the pale lips. The heavy lashes were raised, and the girl’s eyes smiled again. “I have one great, great wish,” she murmured, faintly. “It is granted. What would I not do for you, Enid?” “Make Margery Daw your wife!” The earl started, and his color deepened. “If she consents,” he answered, after a moment’s pause, “I will.” “She is so good--ah, Nugent, you do not know how good! I have grown to love her as a sister. She will watch over you for my sake--when I am gone!” She lay back silent for a minute, then turned her eyes on her maid. “Ask Miss Daw to come now.” The earl moved away and buried his face in his folded arms on the mantelpiece. Margery came in softly, then, with one deep sigh, crouched beside the bed and put her lips to the thin hands. “Margery,” whispered Lady Enid--“my dear Margery!” “You are better--oh, tell me you are better, Enid!” faltered Margery. “Darling, listen to me. I am dying. My poor Margery, be brave. I have known it a long time; the shock to-day has--has--only hastened it. But I want you to do something for me. Margery, do not promise till you have heard what it is. Nugent!” The earl came to her with slow steps. “You shall not be left alone, Margery, when I am gone. Margery, you have loved me--you know all; I want you to be my brother’s wife!” Margery drew back for an instant, and stood with her hands pressed against her bosom, her mind distracted, the words just uttered ringing in her ears.