"That was not a threat," said I. "Well, I shall go and laugh at myself
for my presumption. To laugh at yourself is to cure. There is no more
wine in the cup, nothing but the lees. I'll have to drink them. A wry
face, and then it will all be over. Yes, I am bitter. To have dreamed
as I have dreamed, and to awake as I have! Ah, well; I must go on
loving you till--"

"Till she comes," supplemented Phyllis.

"You wrong me. It is only in letters that I am versatile. Forgive my
bitterness and forget my folly."

"Oh, Jack, if you knew how sorry I am! I shall forgive the bitterness,
but I will not forget what you term folly. It's something any woman
might be proud of, the love of an honest, dear, good fellow. Good
night." She held her hand toward me.

"Good night," I said, "and God bless you!" I kissed the palm of her
hand, opened the door, and then stumbled down the steps.

I do not remember how I reached home.

It was all over.

My beautiful castle had fallen in ruins about my ears.