What is the age for dreams? Ah, who can tell? Let us pray that to those who dream the awakening comes not too soon; and that when it comes, as in this world it must, they may preserve a measure of the dream radiance to light them to that greater awakening when all tears shall be wiped away.
Isabella had made no appeal for sympathy, had not suggested that there was any room for pity. She did not wish to forget.
Into Philippa's heart there crept a faint realisation of the infinite power and the infinite patience of a great love, and with it a longing, half wistful, half eager, that she too might one day know its thrall. Francis Heathcote had loved, and his love had survived years of darkness and longing, but there had been plighted vows and lovers' sweet delights to weld the chain of his affection; but Isabella had known none of these, and yet she had lived in Love's bondage--bound by ropes of gossamer. She was roused at last by her friend's voice.
"You will need great courage," Isabella said thoughtfully.
"Why shall I need courage?" the girl asked simply.
When the reply came it was no answer to her question, for the older woman only repeated the doctor's words--"A little happiness for all that he has missed."
Philippa made a little quick movement. "Yes! That is just it. He shall have a little happiness if it is in my power to give it him. You understand, don't you, Isabella? It is really easy to make him happy--he asks so little and is so grateful for all that is done. And he is happy now--really happy, I mean. Oh, I know his happiness is founded on a mistake, but does that matter? Surely not when you think of all the years he has passed in misery. I do want him to live long enough to have the 'little happiness,' just to blot out all that he has suffered. I am so desperately sorry for him that there is nothing I would not do to bring some joy into his life, even if it is only very short."
Isabella nodded. "I understand, but it will need courage. My dear, it may be easy now. He has found you again--that for the moment is sufficient; but, will his devotion content him to the end? What if he asks a question that you cannot answer?"
"I shall answer," replied the girl with quiet firmness. "I promise you that by no act or word of mine shall he be disappointed. I am going to carry it through, Isabella. He has had enough of sorrow."