"Why didn't you make it in the forenoon?" she demanded.

"What for? It is only a difference of a few hours," he replied.

"And don't you think a few hours is anything to me?" she cried, bursting
into hysterical tears.

"You must not be so confident," he expostulated. "It scares me to see you
so when you are so likely to be disappointed. Even the doctor said he
could not promise success. It would depend on many things."

"What is the use of telling me that ?" she said, suddenly becoming very
calm. "When I've just one chance for life, do you think it is kind to
remind me that it may fail? Let me alone to-night."

The mental agitation of the past two days, supervening on so long a
period of profound depression, had thrown her into a state of agitation
bordering on hysteria. She was constantly changing her attitude, rising
and seating herself, and walking excitedly about. She would talk rapidly
one moment, and then relapse into a sudden chilled silence in which she
seemed to hear nothing. Once or twice she laughed a hard, unnatural laugh
of pure nervousness.

Presently she said--

"After I've forgotten all about myself, and no longer remember any reason
why I shouldn't marry you, you will still remember what I've forgotten,
and perhaps you won't want me."

"You know very well that I want you any way, and just the same whatever