"What was done two
weeks ago in the meadow yonder is past recall. Let it rest. What is
mine is yours: it's little beside my sword and my name. The one is
naturally at my wife's service; for the other, I have had some pride
in keeping it untarnished. It is now in your keeping as well as my
own. I do not fear to leave it there, madam."
I had spoken with my eyes upon the garden outside the window,
but now I looked at her, to see that she was trembling in every
limb, - trembling so that I thought she would fall. I hastened to
her. "The roses," she said, - "the roses are too heavy. Oh, I am tired
- and the room goes round."
I caught her as she fell, and laid her gently upon the floor. There
was water on the table, and I dashed some in her face and
moistened her lips; then turned to the door to get woman's help,
and ran against Diccon.
"I got that bag of bones here at last, sir," he began. "If ever I" - His
eyes traveled past me, and he broke off.
"Don't stand there staring," I ordered. "Go bring the first woman
you meet."
"Is she dead?" he asked under his breath. "Have you killed her?"
"Killed her, fool!" I cried. "Have you never seen a woman swoon?"
"She looks like death," he muttered. "I thought" -
"You thought!" I exclaimed. "You have too many thoughts.
Begone, and call for help!"
"Here is Angela," he said sullenly and without offering to move,
as, light of foot, soft of voice, ox-eyed and docile, the black
woman entered the room.
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