He was silent for a moment. Then he
came close to Dick.
"Dick," said he. "Let us end this awful scene as friends and brothers.
As Heaven hears me, there is no bitterness in my heart. Only deep
sorrow--and love, Dick. Shake hands."
Dick took his hand and broke down utterly, and said such things of
himself as other men do not like to hear. Presently there was a light
rap of knuckles at the door. Austin opened it and beheld Viviette.
"I won't disturb you," she said; "I only want to give this note to
Dick."
"I will hand it to him," said Austin.
She thanked him and departed. He closed the door and gave Dick the note.
Dick opened it, read, and with a great cry of "Viviette!" rushed to the
door. Austin interposed, grasped him by the wrist:
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to her," shouted Dick wildly, wrenching himself free. "Read
this." He held up the note before Austin's eyes, with shaking fingers.
Austin read:
"I can't bear to see the misery on your face, when I can make you happy.
I love you, dear, better than anything on earth.
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