"God bless you, my boy!" she said. "You feel with a woman's heart. I thank you.... Joshua has already sent word for Mel to come home. She will be back to-morrow.... You must come here to see her. But, Daren, she will never marry you." "She will," replied Lane. "You do not know Mel. Even if you had only a day to live she would not let you wrong yourself." "But when she learns how much it means to me? The army ruined Mel, as it ruined hundreds of thousands of other girls. She will let one soldier make it up to her. She will let me go to my death with less bitterness." "Oh, my poor boy, I don't know--I can't tell," she replied, brokenly. "By God's goodness you have brought about one miracle. Who knows? You might change Mel. For you have brought something great back from the war." "Mrs. Iden, I will persuade her to marry me," said Lane. "And then, Mr. Iden, we must see what is best for her and the boy--in the future." "Aye, son. One lesson learned makes other lessons easy. I will take Mel and her mother far away from Middleville--where no one ever heard of us." "Good! You can all touch happiness again.... And now, if you and Mrs. Iden will excuse me--I will go." Lane bade the couple good night, and slowly, as might have a lame man, he made his way through the gloaming, out to the road, and down to the bridge, where as always he lingered to catch the mystic whispers of the river waters, meant only for his ear. Stronger to-night! He was closer to that nameless thing. The shadows of dusk, the dark murmuring river, held an account with him, sometime to be paid. How blessed to fall, to float down to that merciful oblivion. CHAPTER XII Several days passed before Lane felt himself equal to the momentous interview with Mel Iden. After his call upon Mel's father and mother he was overcome by one of his sick, weak spells, that happily had been infrequent of late. This one confined him to his room. He had about fought and won it out, when the old injury at the base of his spine reminded him that misfortunes did not come singly. Quite unexpectedly, as he bent over with less than his usual caution, the vertebra slipped out; and Lane found his body twisted like a letter S. And the old pain was no less terrible for its familiarity. He got back to his bed and called his mother. She sent for Doctor Bronson. He came at once, and though solicitous and kind he lectured Lane for neglecting the osteopathic treatment he had advised. And he sent his chauffeur for an osteopath. "Lane," said the little physician, peering severely down upon him, "I didn't think you'd last as long as this." "I'm tough, Doctor--hard to kill," returned Lane, making a wry face. "But I couldn't stand this pain long." "It'll be easier presently. We can fix that spine. Some good treatments to strengthen ligaments, and a brace to wear--we can fix that.... Lane, you've wonderful vitality." "A doctor in France told me that."