The response to this must be the touchstone of their lives.

A--half dozen words might alter all the future, might be the watch word to the end of all things.

Involuntarily her heart fashioned the response he ought to give--"I shall have you left, Hylda." The air seemed to grow oppressive, and the instant's silence a torture, and, when he spoke, his words struck a chill to her heart--rough notes of pain.

"I have not lost yet," were his words.
She shrank.

"You will not hide it.