She thought of many things. The fire-light gleamed red upon the hearth. All was still. The sounds from the adjoining room had ceased. Something stirred within her and she rose and went softly to the bedside of her sleeping husband. In the half-light she could see the strong, good face. Dear John so profane yet so patient, so severe yet so tender, what would it be to face life without him. She laid her hand very lightly on the hand which lay on the counterpane, then took it away lest it disturb the sleeper. She went back to her chair and opening a little volume took from it a folded sheet. Twice before today had she read the words written within it. A dear friend whose husband had recently died had written her, inclosing them. She read them again now: IN MEMORIAM,--A PRAYER. "O God! The Father of the spirits of all flesh, in whatsoever world or condition they be,--I beseech Thee for him whose name, and dwelling place, and every need Thou knowest. Lord, vouchsafe him peace and light, rest and refreshment, joy and consolation in Paradise, in the ample folds of Thy great love. Grant that his life, so troubled here, may unfold itself in Thy sight, and find employment in the spacious fields of Eternity.--If he hath ever been hurt or maimed by any unhappy word or deed of mine, I pray Thee, of Thy great pity, to heal and restore him, that he may serve Thee without hindrance. "Tell him, O gracious Father, if it may be,--how much I love him and miss him, and long to see him again; and if there may be ways in which he may come, vouchsafe him to me as guide and guard, and grant me such sense of his nearness as Thy laws permit. If in aught I can minister to his peace, be pleased of Thy love to let this be; and mercifully keep me from every act which may deprive me of the sight of him, as soon as our trial time is over, or mar the fullness of our joy when the end of the days hath come." Mary brushed away a tear from her cheek. "This letter has awakened unusual thoughts. I will--" A sharp peal from the telephone. "What is it?" "Is the doctor at home?" "Yes. He has gone to bed and is fast asleep." "Oh! We wanted him to come down to see my sister." "He was up all last night and is not able to come--" "Can I just talk to him about her?" Mary sighed. To rouse him from his sorely needed sleep was too cruel. Then she spoke. "I must not disturb him unless it is absolutely necessary. I shall be sitting here awake--call me again in a little while if you think it necessary." "A--l--l r--i--g--h--t--" and a sob came distinctly to the listener's ear. This was too much for Mary. "I'll call him," she said hurriedly and went to the bedroom. With much difficulty she roused him. He threw back the covers, got up and stumbled to the 'phone. "Hello..... Yes..... They didn't? Is she suffering much?.... All right, I'll be down in a little bit."