She knew now that he had been far away, in South Africa, at the time, and had never received them, until too late; but then, it seemed as if God Himself had forsaken them.

And now came the memory of her solemn promise.

Mirko should never be deserted--the adored mother could die in peace about that.

Her last words came back now--out of the glowing coals: "I have been happy with Mimo, after all, my Cherisette, with you and Mimo and Mirko.

It was worth while--" And so she had gasped--and died.
And here the tears gathered and blurred the flaming coals.