John's hope of me. I knew he was often lonely--I have pitied him
since--but I could not help being what I was.

"I tried, but it was no use. We lived abroad for years, and little Dick
forgot--I am sure he forgot--his mother, and when I felt secure I gave
him all, all the passion and devotion of my life.

"John died abroad; I came home with my crippled boy; came home to--you.
That is all!"

Ledyard bent and laid a handful of boughs upon the fire. The room was
cold and cheerless, and the still, white figure in the chair seemed the
quiet, chill heart of it all. And yet--how she had loved and laboured for
the boy! Was she passionless or had her passion been killed while at
white heat?

"And--and I suppose Dick must know?"

"Yes. Dick must know."

There was no sternness, but there was determination in the strong, even
voice. Then:

"Helen, let me do this for you!"

For a moment the uplifted eyes faltered and fell away from the man's
face. Very faintly the words came:

"God bless you! I could not bear to see--him fail me. If he must--fail,
I cannot see him until--afterward."