She has evidently had very deep sorrows
in the past, and I am satisfied that she has felt his absence keenly
this week."
"I deserve it all," Ida murmured again, but so low he could not
hear her, and she gave way to another outburst of grief.
"It will pain even your heart, Ida, to see how slight and pale
Miss Burton is becoming. She also appears strangely restless, and
takes long walks that are far beyond her strength."
"It's all plain," groaned Ida. "How can she act otherwise! Well,
she will be comforted now, no matter what becomes of me."
"You will be a brave woman, Ida, and pull through all right."
"No, Ik, I'm not brave. I could easily die for those I love; but
I can't just suffer and be patient, at least I don't see how I can;
but I suppose I must."
His arm tightened about her waist, and she felt it trembling.
"Ida," he said, in a low solemn tone, "promise me before God that
whatever happens you will never---"
"Hush!" she gasped, shuddering, "I will die in God's own way. I
will endure as best I can."
He stooped down and kissed her tenderly as he said: "Ida, dear,
from this hour I'm no longer your cousin merely, but a brother, and
your companion in misfortune.
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