Page:The Mystery of Madeline Le Blanc (1900).djvu/47

Rh life! She tried to speak. Then all relapsed into rest again,

"Madeline," said Satiani, leaning over her face, "Madeline."

"Joseph," she whispered, "Joseph."

"Joseph is not here."

"Where is he?"

"I do not know."

"Where am I?"

"In Paris."

The eyelids moved as if to open, and Satiani quickly laid pieces of coin upon them.

"Madeline, listen," and he grasped both her hands, which he held firmly on each side.

"What is this noise? I hear cannon."

"It is thunder. Listen, Madeline."

"I listen. I feel so weak."

"You must die."

"Let me live! Let me live!"

"On one consideration. Do you understand ?" A pause. "Madeline."

"I cannot see."

"No, you are blind."

"Who speaks to me?"

"It does not matter. Do you understand that you are dying?"