He laid her head on his shoulder and went on talking so quietly that anyone who did not see how worn and haggard his face had grown with two days and a night of sharp anxiety might have thought him cold.
"Jessie has gone home to rest, and Jane is with poor Clara, who has dropped asleep at last.

I've sent for Steve and the other boys.

There will be time for them later, but he so begged to see you now, I thought it best to come while this temporary strength keeps him up.

I have told him how it is, but he will not believe me.

If he asks you, answer honestly and try to fit him a little for this sudden ending of so many hopes." "How soon, Uncle ?" "A few hours, probably.