Page:The Great Roxhythe - Georgette Heyer.pdf/429

"Vraiment … I am a trial. Don't let Jasper meddle … in Monmouth's cause!"

"I will not."

"I … ought to send … some farewell … messages. I always … disliked … the heroic pose … off the stage. Do you … remember Crewe?"

"And the silly wife! That was unlucky, David."

"A … mistake … I admit. Give … my love … to Chris. I would I … had seen him … just once … again. You … won't believe me … but I cared … for him."

"I know that you did, dear. I always knew it. If I said hard things I am very sorry!"

"My dear … according … according … to your lights … you spoke … rightly. You … could not … understand."

She shook her head.

"We won't speak of it, David."

"We might … quarrel … an we did. I regret … I cannot … repent, weeping. It … is not in … the part." He paused, and his hand tightened on hers. "I could have … regained … all my lost … power. It was … within my grasp. But it … was not… worth it. You … understand?"

"Perfectly, David."

"Your chief … attraction. What … is the time?"

She glanced at the clock.

"Just after three, dear."

"Ah! … He died … at noon. I shall not wait … much longer. I am … very content." The weary lids drooped. "I have to … thank you … for your … kindness. I knew … that you would … come."

"I would have come from the ends of the earth, David."

"Happily … you were … nearer. I should have been … loth to put you … to such … inconvenience. It is … very dark. Draw the curtains … further apart! No … matter …" The whisper ceased.