“My wife, our sacred love must stand this test. This is the fire which burns up all the dross, but leaves us, as eternal treasure, the gold and precious stones. “Just now I woke, filled with the rapture of our love, the joy, beyond all words, of having found you. Almost at once, I heard that I must lose you. My flesh cried out: ‘I cannot let her go!’ Then came the Angel of His love and pity, and laid a strengthening hand upon my soul, and said: ‘This is God’s Will, His perfect way for her and you.’ Belovèd, to that Will we both must bow. Thus shall we find our purest joy, and love which has no ending.” “Nigel,” she whispered, “I brought you back empty, and I leave you desolate.” He waited till his voice was steady, then replied: “Listen, sweet wife of mine! Our love has brought me Home. Through you there comes to me this chance to put myself once more within the Will of God. Together we accept, in faith and patience, this parting we are called upon to face, and thus atone for the mistaken past. Mine is the harder part, I know; but I would have it so. I left you to the harder part before. I shall be lonely, but not desolate. I owe a debt to life for thirty selfish, wasted years. If a great chance comes, I may pay it soon. That will be as God wills. But, be the parting long or short, always I shall know you watch and wait for me; and, thanks again to you, I shall not be earth-bound; for, where my Treasure is, there will my heart be also.” At last he lifted his head and looked at her. Then his courage almost broke. That lovely face, so dear, so well-remembered. Those lips, parting in soft surrender. The tenderness his heart so hungered for, dwelling upon him in those dying eyes. “Oh, I can’t!” he said, and hid his face against her breast. “My God, give us one year! If it be possible, let this cup pass.” She laid her hands upon his head and held him close. “‘Nevertheless——’” she said: “Oh, Nigel, finish it!” And, in a voice broken by sobs, he spoke the sacred words which make complete a brave soul’s sacrifice. SCENE XIV “NO SADNESS OF FAREWELL” The hours which followed seemed to him the nearest approach to heaven a man could know on earth. Sometimes she lay in his arms and gently slept; then roused herself to drink what Mary brought, and rallying a little, let her eyes dwell on his face, as he sat beside her in the sunshine, talking softly of many things—the past, the future; all their love had meant; would mean. Deep peace enveloped them. Time stood still and waited while they drank deeply of a fount of love, slaking the thirst of years. Words could scarce carry the tender emotion of all they had to say to one another. Because of her great weakness, it was chiefly he who spoke and she who listened. But sometimes she rallied, and uttered words which he knew he would carry in his heart for ever.