She smoothed his pillows with a gentle grace that was in itself a soothing caress, even as her soft sympathetic voice was a caress.

She took his hand, and spoke to him endearingly, seeking to relieve the sombre mood whose prey he was become, assuring him that the leech had told her his danger was none so imminent, and that with quiet and a little care he would be up and about again ere many days were sped.

But Gregory rejected hopelessly all efforts at consolation.
"I am on my death-bed, Cynthia," he insisted, "and when I am gone I know not whom there may be to cheer and comfort your lot in life.

Your lover is away on an errand of Joseph's, and it may well betide that he will never again cross the threshold of Castle Marleigh.

Unnatural though I may seem, sweetheart, my dying wish is that this may be so." She looked up in some surprise.
"Father, if that be all that grieves you, I can reassure you.