Her father was worse in health, was going fast, and the doctor was again there.

And in these moments Souchey was with her, busy in the dying man's room; and there were gentle kind words spoken between him and Nina--as would be natural between such persons at such a time.

He knew that he had been a traitor, and the thought of his treachery was heavy at his heart; but he perceived that no immediate punishment was to come upon him, and it was some solace to him that he could be sedulous and gentle and tender.

And Nina, though she knew that the man had given his aid in destroying her, bore with him not only without a hard word, but almost without a severe thought.

What did it matter what such a one as Souchey could do?
In the middle watches of that night the old man died, and Nina was alone in the world.