This was the being whom he would eternally adore, whether he or she were the first to quit the earth.
Here lay the consolation.

Cesarine, like all evil, was transient; Rebecca, like all good, everlasting.
"Let her come," said he at last, lifting his head slowly and no longer troubled.

"She need not fear.

I shall bear in mind the Oriental proverb Daniels quoted: 'Do not beat a woman, even with roses!'" Hardly were the words formed in his mind than his wife appeared as though by that mind reading, frequent in married couples--she had waited for this assurance of her personal safety to be mentally formed.
In the short time given her toilet, she had performed wonders.

Perhaps, with a surprising effort of her will, she had snatched some rest, for her eyes wore the fresh, pellucid gleam after prolonged slumber.