"He shall say no such things," declared Mrs. Malherb; yet, before she could prevent it, Stark began upon the theme at his heart. "Forgive me, madam, for this terrible trouble that I have brought into your home. I had better far have died outside it. Yet I bless you that I still live. To sharp ears and generous courage and wonderful skill I owe my salvation, and 'tis beyond human power ever to thank you for such goodness. Samaritans indeed have you been to me. You have given me back my life." "Then I pray you to set a better value on it, Master Stark," said Annabel, "for truly you rated it but low to venture it on such a hazard." "It shall be precious henceforth. When I grow desperate I will consider the price of skill and trouble with which you and your husband have redeemed it." "And my daughter, sir; your best thanks are due to her, for 'twas she who heard your cry in the night." Grace, gazing down, saw a strong, young face, with wild black hair, a powerful neck, square jaw, and clean, firm mouth. Stark's countenance was very thin, and the grey eyes that burnt out of it appeared dim and weary. Their lids kept falling upon them. But now into his face came a flush. He had not yet looked at Grace Malherb, nor did he do so now. "God bless your daughter, madam. And have they found him--my friend--the Commodore? 'Twas to him I shouted, and forgot that the cry might reach any other listener." "I fear you must not hope----" "No, no. I only trust that he may be found--his dust. Oh, God of Mystery! to think that I led my friend directly to your very gates and lost him then because my senses were sealed up. Mayhap one word had saved him! And such a sailor as any nation might take glory in! He lies there, frozen to death; while I bide here alive, with angels to tend my good-for-nothing body." "He's gone to greater and better work, young sir," said Annabel. "There's no greater or better work on earth or in Heaven, madam, than to fight for one's country," he answered wearily. "And is not Heaven the Country of us all? What nobler task than to fight for that? You shall find there--not Frenchmen, nor Englishmen, nor Americans--but only happy souls at rest." "Your land has killed a great man," he said. "Alas, sir! Of what nation on earth can less be confessed? The conqueror's path is often over noble corpses. You are young and our terrible solitudes have not yet tamed you. We shall see you again to-morrow. Meantime John Lee and Mrs. Beer are at your beck and call by night and day. And accept my earnest and prayerful thanksgiving that you are spared to do worthy work in the world." "And mine too, Mr. Stark," said Grace. Then, for the first time, he lifted his eyes to her face and recognised her. Thereupon his slight colour faded away, and he seemed like to faint. Instead, he braced himself, sat up, regarded her with deep emotion and spoke. "I remember you! You have paid me good for evil, indeed. I----"