"Please be seated.

I am at the very brink of the grave, and--and I would go at peace with all men.
I--I've hated you every one.

And you--Leland, I would have killed if I could.

It was in the attempt to do so that I--received my own death wound at the hands of your wife." Mrs.Leland started, trembled and burst into tears.

That part of the story Elsie had omitted, and she now heard it for the first time.
"Don't be disturbed," he said, "you were doing right--in defending yourself, husband and children." "Yes, yes," she sobbed, "but oh, I would save you now if I could! Can nothing be done ?" He shook his head sadly.