THE NINTH MAN
bigness passed out before him and stood at the door, shivering. Then he said:
" 'There are less pleasant ways of dying. Pass!"
"She went out into the darkness, whispering, and he mocked her as she went, and whimpered after her and closed the door. And my lady said:
" 'You have rendered a great service, in that you have made my greatest grief my greatest joy, my lord,'
" 'And what is this joy?' he asked.
" 'That I had no son, my lord. In times of darkness I can remember that and my heart can become glad that I am childless.'
" 'You are young,' said he, 'and I am still your loving husband. The hour is very late. Let me conduct you to your room.' So he went with her."
Then Father Giorgio dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands.
"I loved him," he said. "I raised him from a little boy—and she has made my heart to break with pity—and she has death in her hands."
