A little hand slipped out of the cloak and took his in charge, and so they went through the darkness of the narrow way.
He breathed more freely when the further slope was reached, and only then became aware that the hand that held his was all of a tremble.

The next moment he perceived that she was sobbing quietly.
"Nance!" he cried.

"What is it?
You are crying.

Is it anything I--" "No, no, no!" sobbed the wounded soul convulsively.
"What then?
Tell me!" "I cannot.

I cannot." "Nance--dear!" and he sought her hand again and stood holding it firmly.
"It is like stabs in my heart to hear you sobbing.