I went in to see her, and she has come
back to herself; she mentioned your name, and the doctor says you
can see her for a few minutes; she must not talk, but she is
herself. You may just come and sit by her for a few minutes; it
will be best to come at once."
Howard got up, and was seized by a sudden giddiness. He grasped his
chair, and was aware that Mrs. Graves was looking at him anxiously.
"Can you manage it, dear boy?" she said. "You have had a great
strain."
"Manage it?" said Howard, "why, it's new life. I shall be all right
in a moment. Does she know what has happened?"
"Yes," said Mrs. Graves, "she knows all--it is you she is anxious
about--she isn't thinking of herself at all."
Howard followed his aunt out of the room, feeling suddenly alert
and strong. They entered the room; as they did so, Maud turned and
looked at him--the faintest tinge of colour had returned to her
face; she held out her hands to him, and let them fall again.
Howard stepped quickly to the side of the bed, dropped on his
knees, and took his wife in his arms. She nestled close to him for
a moment, and then looked at him with a smile--then speaking in a
very low voice, almost a whisper, she said:
"Yes, I know--you will help me, dearest; yes, I have come back to
you--I have been wandering far away, with the child--you know--he
wanted me, I think; but I have left him somewhere, safe, and I am
sent back--I didn't think I could come back, but I had to choose; I
have chosen .
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271