He could say nothing, for he could not believe that she really was in earnest.
"I must!" she exclaimed suddenly.

"It is all I can do for you--it is my life--take it!" The tears broke from her eyes, but she held her head high, and let them fall unheeded.
"Take it!" she repeated.

"It is all I have to give for yours and your honour.

Good-by--oh, love, I love you so dearly! Once more, before I go--" She almost, fell into his arms as she buried her face on his shoulder and clasped his throat as she was wont.

He kissed her hair gently, and from time to time her whole frame shook with the sobs she was choking down.
"It kills me," she said in a broken voice.