‘And when it was ready I inserted the needle, gave the injection, and replaced the things on the table. Then I waited a little while. That was the worst of all. It was hideous. He tried to awake, not to succumb to the dose. He could not. He talked to me quickly and angrily, and I did not stop my ears. In spite of his efforts, the words began to stammer on his lips, his eyes glazed and closed. He was asleep--unconscious. ‘“Good-bye,” I said to him mockingly. Then I rang the bell, and Morrison answered it. “Can you sit with Mr. Marchmont for a few hours, Morrison?” I asked. “He will now sleep for some time, and I must have rest, if I am to remain with him while he is awake.” ‘Morrison at once agreed, and took his place by the bedside. I wished him good-night and went away. ‘I went to my room, rang for my maid, and told her she could go to bed. I did not want anything more, and would undress myself. Then the moments seemed hours, while I tore off my ornaments, and my evening dress, and my satin shoes, and seized upon these dark things, and this bonnet and veil--I will buy some other things here, carissimo, and give these to the chambermaid. I was in a wild fever. I saw that it was nearly half-past eleven. Hans must have been waiting two hours and a half. Never mind. He would forgive me as soon as he knew, and his recompense should be my whole life. Why do you look at me in that way?’ she added quickly. ‘His recompense!’ Signor Giuseppe repeated after her, and laid his hand for a moment on her head.