chance. She is dead, and in death at least I shall be nearer her.
Why so, Leo? For aught you know Ayesha may be living.
No; for then she would have given me some sign. My mind is made up, so talk no more, or, if talk we must, let it be of other things.
Then I pleaded with him, though with little hope, for I saw that what I had feared for long was come to pass. Leo was mad: shock and sorrow had destroyed his reason. Were it not so, he, in his own way a very religious man, one who held, as I knew, strict opinions on such matters, would never have purposed to commit the wickedness of suicide.
Leo,
I said, are you so heartless that you would leave me here alone? Do you pay me thus for all my love and care, and wish to drive me to my death? Do so if you will, and my blood be on your head.
Your blood! Why your blood, Horace?
Because that road is broad and two can travel it. We have lived long years together and together endured much; I am sure that we shall not be long parted.
Then the tables were turned and he grew afraid for me. But I only answered, If you die I tell you that I shall die also. It will certainly kill me.
So Leo gave way. Well,
he exclaimed suddenly, I promise you it shall not be to-night. Let us give Life another chance.
Good,
I answered; but I went to my bed full of fear. For I was certain that this desire of death, having once taken hold of him, would grow and grow, until at length it became too strong, and then—then I should wither and die who could not live on alone. In my despair I threw out my soul towards that of her who was departed.
Ayesha!
I cried, if you have any power, if in any way it is permitted, show that you still live, and save
