Page:Fletcher--Where Highways Cross.djvu/213

 "Now come outside," said Hepworth.

He went back to Elisabeth, Verrell following close behind him. Hepworth held out his hand to the woman he loved.

"Good-bye, Elisabeth, " he said. "Go with your husband—he will tell you what you are to do. Good-bye—good-bye!"

She took his hand and held it. Their eyes met.

"Good-bye!" she said.

Still they held each other's hands. Verrell turned away. Hepworth felt the bitterness of death upon him as he gazed into Elisabeth's eyes.

"Good-bye!" he said again. "Good-bye, Elisabeth!"

Without another word the three went slowly through the wood and into the lane. Hepworth pointed out the road towards Sicaster and silently motioned them to take it. Elisabeth was weeping as she turned away from him. Verrell paused and held out his hand and wrung Hepworth's within it. Then he