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He could take the place of a better man where men were
greatly needed.
This theory could solve the problem; and Martine's hospital
experience prepared his mind to understand what would be a
hopeless mystery to many. He was so fearfully excited that be
could not remain in the ward. The very proximity to this strange
being, who had virtually risen from the dead and appeared to him
of all others, was a sort of torture in itself.
What effect would this discovery have on his relations to Helen?
He dared not think yet he must think. Already the temptation of
his life was forming in his mind. His cousin was sleeping; and
with a wild impatience to escape, to get away from all his kind,
he stole noiselessly out into the midnight and deserted streets.
On, on he went, limping he knew not, cared not where, for his
passion and mental agony drove him hither and thither like a leaf
before a fitful gale.
"No one knows of this," he groaned. "I can still return and marry
Helen. But oh, what a secret to carry!"
Then his heart pleaded.


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