Chapter XVII

Dr.Ramsayandthenurse,forcingherbackonthepillow. “What’sthematterwithhim,doctor,”shecried,insuddenterror. “It’sasEdwardsays,he’snotwell.” “Oh,heisn’tgoingtodie—afterallI’vegonethrough.” Shelookedfromonetotheother.“Oh,tellmedon’tkeepmeinsuspense.Icanbearit,whateveritis.” Dr.RamsaytouchedEdward,encouraginghim. “Youmustprepareyourselfforbadnews,darling.Youknow—--“ “Heisn’tdead?”sheshrieked. “I’mawfullysorry,dear....Hewasstill-born.” “Oh,God!”groanedBertha,itwasacryofdespair.Andthensheburstintopassionateweeping. Hersobswereterrible,uncontrollableitwasherlifethatshewasweepingaway,herhopeofhappiness,allherdesiresanddreams.Herheartseemedbreaking.Sheputherhandstohereyes,withagestureofutteragony. “ThenIwentthroughitallfornothing....Oh,Eddie,youdon’tknowthefrightfulpainofit—allnightIthoughtIshoulddie....Iwouldhavegivenanythingtobeputoutofmysuffering.Anditwasalluseless.” Shesobbedstillmoreirresistibly,quitecrushedbytherecollectionofwhatshehadgonethrough,anditsfutility. “Oh,IwishIcoulddie.” ThetearswereinEdward’seyes,andhekissedherhands. “Don’tgiveway,darling,”hesaid,searchinginvainforwordstoconsoleher.Hisvoicefalteredandbroke. “Oh,Eddie,”shesaid,“you’resufferingjustasmuchasIam.Iforgot....Letmeseehimnow.” Dr.Ramsaymadeasigntothenurse,andshefetchedthedeadchild.ShecarriedittothebedsideandshowedittoBertha. Berthasaidnothing,andatlastturnedawaythenursewithdrew.Bertha’stearsnowhadceased,buthermouthwassetintoahopelesswoe. “Oh,Ilovedhimalreadysomuch.” Edwardbentover.“Don’tgrieve,darling.” Sheputherarmsroundhisneckasshehaddelightedtodo.“Oh,Eddie,lovemewithallyourheart.Iwantyourlovesobadly.”