“Crystal!” Nathan’s eyes were horribly red. “You know my condition, but you don’t know….”

His voice broke.

“I don’t know what? Finish your sentences!” Why did he try so hard to push her away?

Nathan turned away coolly. “If you stay with me like this, you will die.”

“Is it because of your father, Mr. Amos Davis?”

Nathan looked at her with surprise at how quickly she could guess.

Crystal held his face in her hands and asked, “Did he not allow us to see each other? He wants you to marry Mabel?”

“Miss Smith,” Vic began at last, “you come to see the young master. If Mr. Amos Davis...