"'A minute, madam,' I said, keeping my hand on the door-handle before I opened it. 'We have had a long conversation this morning, but the last word has not been spoken yet. It is yours to speak it.'
"'May I pass?'
"'No; I guard the door. I would almost rather die than let you leave me just now, without speaking the word I demand.'
"'What dare you expect me to say?'
"'What I am dying and perishing to hear; what I _must_ and _will_ hear; what you dare not now suppress.'

"'A minute, madam,' I said, keeping my hand on the door-handle. 'The last word has not been spoken yet.'
"'May I pass?'
"'No; I guard the door. I would almost rather die than let you leave me just now, without speaking the word I demand.'
"'What dare you expect me to say?'
"'What I must and will hear; what you dare not now suppress.'
