And you see it,
Alfred? It is sinking fast.'
He put his arm about her waist, and, looking steadily into her
eyes, rejoined:
'That truth is not reserved so long for me to tell, dear Grace. It
is to come from other lips.'
'From other lips!' she faintly echoed.
'Yes. I know your constant heart, I know how brave you are, I know
that to you a word of preparation is enough. You have said, truly,
that the time is come. It is. Tell me that you have present
fortitude to bear a trial - a surprise - a shock: and the
messenger is waiting at the gate.'
'What messenger?' she said. 'And what intelligence does he bring?'
'I am pledged,' he answered her, preserving his steady look, 'to
say no more. Do you think you understand me?'
'I am afraid to think,' she said.
There was that emotion in his face, despite its steady gaze, which
frightened her. Again she hid her own face on his shoulder,
trembling, and entreated him to pause - a moment.
'Courage, my wife! When you have firmness to receive the
messenger, the messenger is waiting at the gate. The sun is
setting on Marion's birth-day. Courage, courage, Grace!'
She raised her head, and, looking at him, told him she was ready.
As she stood, and looked upon him going away, her face was so like
Marion's as it had been in her later days at home, that it was
wonderful to see.
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