"A short time ago I could not; now I feel the need. It will give me
no pain, but great happiness.',
"That is all gone by," he continued, with a solemn smile. "To me she
is no longer anything but a remembrance, an ideal I once knew. The
noblest and sweetest woman I have known, or shall know, on earth."
They talked of her with subdued voices, reverently and tenderly.
Waymark described what he knew or divined of the life she was now
leading, her beneficent activity, her perfect adaptation to the new
place she filled.
"In a little while," Julian said, when they had fallen into thought
again, "you will have your second letter. And then?"
There was no answer. Julian waited a moment, then rose and, clasping
his friend's hand, bade him good night.
Waymark awoke once or twice before morning, but there was no
coughing in the next room. He felt glad, and wondered whether there
was indeed any improvement in the invalid's health. But at the usual
breakfast-time Julian did not appear. Waymark knocked at his door,
with no result. He turned the handle and entered.
On this same day, Ida was visiting her houses. Litany lane and Elm
Court now wore a changed appearance.
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