"But it's the truth and you know it," she went on quietly. "I'm past
your saving, Richard; there's nothing left to save."
"Oh, Joan!" he said desperately. "It can't be as bad as that! Give me a
chance; if anyone can save you, I can."
She turned her face away from him. "No!" she said. "Only one creature
could ever have saved me and I let her go while I was still young."
"Do you mean Elizabeth?" he asked sharply.