"When death stands so close as it stands to nearly every one of us these days; when one reads of nothing else," she added quietly; "it makes one think. It alters all one's view of life. I used to feel that my own life mattered tremendously; that I had to make the most of every opportunity which might add to my enjoyment. Now I see things differently. I don't hold a lesser belief in the importance of life, quite the reverse; but the personal point of view is altogether unimportant. Satisfaction comes from living worthily. I have never done that. I have been always selfish and inconsiderate for others. I believe that to-night you have taught me self-knowledge. Teach me also to be strong." Her voice fell into silence, but she did not remove her hands from his shoulders. And he remained for a few seconds motionless, looking at her without speaking. The appeal in her eyes and in her voice was irresistible; it was as an appeal to his manhood from some one pathetically weak and conscious of her weakness; and the better side of his nature responded to it. But it cost him more than she could ever know to relinquish his dreams at her bidding. He put his hands over hers and stood up. And so they remained for a while close together, looking into each other's eyes. "You are everything to me," he said at last, breaking the silence unexpectedly. "I've thought of you so much--thought of you always as belonging to me. It doesn't seem possible to rid myself of that idea. I've no interest in life outside it." "I know," she said. "I know. It is not going to be easy for me either." They came upon another pause. "At least you have a cause to fight for," she said presently. He shook his head. "All that doesn't count, somehow. But I shall be glad to go now. I shall never come back. Prudence." "Ah, don't!" she cried, with a sob in her voice. "Don't say that. I shall pray for your safety every day of my life." "Pray rather for a swift and merciful bullet," he said. Then, seeing the pain in her eyes, he took her face between his hands and kissed it. "Don't cry, little love. There are worse things to face than the long sleep. Alive or dead, you will live in my heart always. Keep my place green in your memory, dear." She dropped her face on his breast and sobbed her heart out in the shelter of his arms. CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.