‘Nor to talk or think about anything again?’ he suggested, and his voice trembled; he trembled himself–his heart was in his throat. ‘Yes, just so,’ was the languid reply. ‘And I am here, brutally to disturb and deny that wish of yours. I am here to give you something to think about, and to tell you of something I want you to do.’ ‘And what is that?’ ‘When I say I _want_ you to do it, that is a poor, inadequate word. I pray and implore you to keep your promise to me, and as soon as may be–to-morrow, or the day after–to become my wife. I have arranged all the preliminaries. In consequence of your serious illness, the usual notice has been dispensed with. I have nothing to do but intimate to the Bürgermeister the day and the hour for the ceremony, and he, or his representative, will come here to perform it.’ ‘But–but–surely you have reconsidered it?’ she said, flushing painfully. ‘I have considered it again and again, with the same result always. Mr. Wellfield’s marriage is in the _Times_ this morning, to Miss Bolton of Wellfield Abbey.’ Sara winced, and he went on: ‘The Wilhelmis know. The Professor and the Frau Professorin have promised to act as witnesses.’ ‘You have told them?’ she ejaculated. ‘Yes–because I know that _you_ are not a person to go back from your word,’ he answered steadily, and he knew that he had conquered–whether because she was weak and feeble, and he strong and determined, or from what cause soever–he knew the game was his when she said, slowly: ‘You know what people will say of me–that I tried very hard for you, and married you for your money, and so on.’ ‘_Herrgott!_ yes. I know the whole of the jargon they will gabble amongst themselves. Let them, if they like.’ She looked utterly weary, exhausted and worn out. When she spoke her voice was scarce audible. He had to lean towards her to catch the faltering words: ‘If I do–will you–settle everything–no questions–no thinking? I _cannot think_.’ ‘You shall hear no more about it until the Bürgermeister comes to marry us. A few words then, and the signing of your name, and all will be over.’ ‘Very well. Arrange it all as you wish, and I will do it,’ said she, and turned her head away, and shut her eyes, as if too tired ever to open them again. ‘You shall not repent it. I promise that you shall not repent it,’ he said, carrying her passive hand to his lips. Then he left the room. Outside he saw Mrs. Nelson, and took her aside into Sara’s atelier. ‘We shall be married to-morrow, Ellen,’ he observed. ‘Thank God, sir! I believe it will be the saving of my mistress.’ She paused, and added: ‘I hope you don’t think of separating us, sir–Miss Ford and me. It would be sorely distressing to us both.’ ‘Never, while you both live, believe me. I shall have to leave her in your hands for a long time to come yet.’ With that he hastened away, leaving Ellen in a more contented frame of mind than she had enjoyed for a long time. * * * * *