And still those tortured eyes besought Sylvia, urged her, entreated her.

She left the foot of the bed, and went to Kieff.  Her lips felt stiff and numb, but she forced them to speak.

“If you have anything that will help him, give it to him now!  Don’t wait!  Don’t wait!”

Kieff the impassive, nodded briefly, and took his hand from his pocket.

“Wait!  He is better,” Burke said.

But, “Don’t wait!  Don’t wait!” whispered Sylvia.  “Don’t let him die—­like this!”

Kieff held out to her a small leather case.  “Open it!” he said.

She obeyed him though her hands were trembling.  She took out the needle and syringe it contained.

Burke said no more.  Perhaps he realized that the cause was already lost.  And so he looked on in utter silence while Sylvia and Kieff between them administered the only thing that could ease the awful suffering that seemed greater than flesh and blood could bear.

It took effect with marvellous quickness—­that remedy of Kieff’s.  It was, to Sylvia’s imagination, like the casting forth of a demon.  Guy’s burning eyes ceased to implore her.  He strained no longer in the cruel grip.  His whole frame relaxed, and he even smiled at her as they laid him back against the pillows.

“That’s better,” he said.

“Thank God!” Sylvia whispered.

His eyes were drooping heavily.  He tried to keep them open.  “Hold my hand!” he murmured to her.

She sat on the edge of the bed, and took it between her own.

His finger pressed hers.  “That’s good, darling.  Now I’m happy.  Wish we—­could go on like this—­always.  Don’t you?”

“No,” she whispered back.  “I want you well again.”

“Ah!” His eyes were closing; he opened them again.  “You mean that, sweetheart?  You really want me?”

“Of course I do,” she said.

Guy was still smiling but there was pathos in his smile.  “Ah, that makes a difference,” he said, “—­all the difference.  That means you’ve quite forgiven me.  Quite, Sylvia?”

“Quite,” she answered, and she spoke straight from her heart.  She had forgotten Burke, forgotten Kieff, forgotten everyone in that moment save Guy, the dear lover of her youth.

And he too was looking at her with eyes that saw her alone.  “Kiss me, little sweetheart!” he said softly.  “And then I’ll know—­for sure.”

It was boyishly spoken, and she could not refuse.  She had no thought of refusing.

As in the old days when they had been young together, her heart responded to the call of his.  She leaned down to him instantly and very lovingly, and kissed him.

“Sure you want me?” whispered Guy.

“God knows I do,” she answered him very earnestly.

He smiled at her and closed his eyes.  “Good night!” he murmured.

“Good night, dear!” she whispered back.