The woman in whom it probably awakened a thousand memories trembled under it.  She drew back, but her whole countenance had softened, revealing whatever of native charm she also possessed.  Would she heed his prayer?  If she did not, they could well be silent.  If she did——­

But the woman gave no sign of yielding.

“Cease, Carleton,” came in stern reply—­stern for all the approach to concession in her manner.  “If your life and my life are both over, let us talk of other things than marriage.  When one faces death, whether of body or spirit, one clings to higher hopes than those of earth or its remaining interests.  If my forgiveness will help you to this end, you have it.  I have had but one aim in life since we parted, and that was to see your higher self triumph over the material one.  If that hour has come or is coming, my life needs no other consolation.  In having that, I possess all.”

The man who listened—­the men who listened—­stood for a moment in awe of the nobility with which she thus expressed herself.  Then the only person present whom she seemed to see burst forth with a low cry, saying: 

“You shall not be disappointed.  I——­”

But there she hushed him.  “No,” said she.  And he seemed to understand and was silent.

What did this mean?

The District Attorney betrayed his doubt; the Chief his, each in a characteristic way.  The former frowned, the latter tapped his breast absently with his forefinger while looking askance at Mr. Gryce, who in his turn took up some little object from the desk beside which he was standing and to it confided whatever surprise he felt at this proof of some uncommunicated secret shared by these two, of which he had not yet become possessed.  Then he again looked up and the glances of the three men met.  Should they attempt to sound this new mystery of mutual understanding to which as yet they had received no clue?  No, the inquest would do that.  Neither this man nor this woman could stand a close examination.  He would weaken from despair, she from the candor of her soul.  They would wait.  But ah, the tragedy of it!  Even these men hardened by years of contact with every species of human suffering and crime were openly moved.  If they needed an excuse, surely they could find it in the superior abilities and attainment of the man upon whom justice was about to wreak its vengeance.  And yet, what more despicable crime had they ever encountered in the long line of their duty.  The youth and innocence of the real victim and the worth of the intended one only added to its wickedness and shame.  It was this thought which again steeled their hearts.

Meantime the two upon whom they now redirected their attention had attempted no further speech and made no further move.  She had said No to something he was willing to concede, and he had accepted that no as final.  Had this brought him any relief?  Possibly.  And she?  Had it had a like effect on her?  Hardly.  Though her aspect was one of calm resignation, her physical powers were perceptibly failing.  This in itself was alarming, and determined them not to subject her any longer to an interview which might rob her of all strength for the morrow.  Accordingly, the District Attorney, addressing Mr. Roberts, suggestively remarked: