Three Weeks Page 20

  CHAPTER XX

  A hush was over everything when Paul first awoke--the hush of a hot, drowsynoontide.

  He stretched out his arm to touch his loved one, as was his custom, to drawher near and envelop her with caresses and greeting--an instinct which cameto him while yet half asleep.

  But his arm met empty space. What was this? He opened his eyes wide and satup in bed. He was alone--where had she gone? He had slept so late, that wasit. She was playing one of her sweet tricks upon him. Perhaps she was evenhiding behind the curtain which covered the entrance to the side loggiawhere they were accustomed to breakfast. He would look and see. He rosequickly and lifted the heavy drapery. No--the loggia was untenanted, andbreakfast was laid for one! That was the first chill--for one! Was sheangry at his drowsiness? Good God! what could it mean? He staggered alittle, and sat on the bed, clutching the fine sheet. And as he did so itdisclosed the letter and the flat leather case, which had fallen from thepillow and become hidden in the clothes.

  A deadly faintness came over Paul. For a few seconds he trembled so hisshaking fingers refused to hold the paper. Then with a mighty effort hemastered himself, and tearing the envelope open began to read.

  It was a wonderful letter. The last passionate cry of her great lovingheart. It passed in review their glorious days in burning words--from thefirst moment of their meeting. And then, towards the end, "My Paul," shewrote, "that first night you were my caprice, and afterwards my love, butnow you are my life, and for this I must leave you, to save that life,sweet lover. Seek me not, heart of my heart. Believe me, I would not go ifthere were any other way. Fate is too strong for us, and I must bow myhead. Were I to remain even another hour, all Dmitry's watching could notkeep you safe. Darling, while I thought they menaced me alone, it onlyangered me, but now I know that you would pay the penalty, I can but go. Ifyou follow me, it will mean death for us both. Oh! Paul, I implore you, byour great love, go into safety as soon as you can. You must leave Venice,and return straight to England, and your home. Darling--beloved--lover--ifwe never meet again in this sad world let this thought stay with youalways, that I love you--heart and mind--body and soul--I am utterly andforever YOURS."

  As he read the last words the room became dark for Paul, and he fell backlike a log on the bed, the paper fluttering to the floor from his nervelessfingers.

  She was gone--and life seemed over for him.

  Here, perhaps an hour later, Tompson found him still unconscious, and interrified haste sent off for a doctor, and telegraphed to Sir CharlesVerdayne:

  "Come at once, TOMPSON."

  But ere his father could arrive on Sunday, Paul was lying 'twixt life anddeath, madly raving with brain fever.

  And thus ended the three weeks of his episode.