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soon quite forgotten； especially as those concerned in it for one reason
and another did not talk overmuch of its details。 Nor did I talk of it；
since no vengeance could mend my broken heart。
They brought me a letter that had been found on Marie's breast； stained
with her blood。
Here it is：
〃MY HUSBAND；
〃Thrice have you saved my life； and now it is my turn to save yours； for
there is no other path。 It may be that they will kill you afterwards；
but if so； I shall be glad to have died first in order that I may be
ready to greet you in the land beyond。
〃I drugged you； Allan； then I cut off my hair and dressed myself in your
clothes。 The Vrouw Prinsloo； Hans and I set my garments upon you。 They
led you out as though you were fainting； and the guards； seeing me； whom
they thought was you； standing in the doorway； let them pass without
question。
〃What may happen I do not know； for I write this after you are gone。 I
hope； however； that you will escape and lead some full and happy life；
though I fear that its best moments will always be shadowed by memories
of me。 For I know you love me； Allan； and will always love me； as I
shall always love you。
〃The light is burning outlike mineso farewell； farewell； farewell！
All earthly stories come to an end at last； but at that end we shall
meet again。 Till then； adieu。 Would that I could have done more for
you； since to die for one who is loved with body； heart and soul is but
a little thing。 Still I have been your wife； Allan； and your wife I
shall remain when the world is old。 Heaven does not grow old； Allan；
and there I shall greet you。
〃The light is dead； butoh！in my heart another light arises！
〃Your MARIE。〃
This was her letter。
I do not think there is anything more to be said。
Such is the history of my first love。 Those who read it； if any ever
do； will understand why I have never spoken of her before； and do not
wish it to be known until I； too； am dead and have gone to join the
great soul of Marie Marais。
ALLAN QUATERMAIN。
End