" I wondered at my voice being so steady as I said, "Mrs. Mavor, God
will help you and your baby. There has been an accident--and it is all
over."
'She was a miner's wife, and there was no need for more. I could see
the pattern of the sunlight falling through the trees upon the grass. I
could hear the murmur of the river, and the cry of the cat-bird in the
bushes, but we seemed to be in a strange and unreal world. Suddenly she
stretched out her hands to me, and with a little moan said, "Take me to
him."
'"Sit down for a moment or two," I entreated.
'"No, no! I am quite ready. See," she added quietly, "I am quite
strong."
'I set off by a short cut leading to her home, hoping the men would be
there before us; but, passing me, she walked swiftly through the trees,
and I followed in fear. As we came near the main path I heard the sound
of feet, and I tried to stop her, but she, too, had heard and knew. "Oh,
let me go!" she said piteously; "you need not fear." And I had not
the heart to stop her. In a little opening among the pines we met the
bearers.
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