_]
"I have accidentally taken an overdose of my sleeping draught. I have
tried to call some one, but it's no use. I ask only one thing, that you
forget all my sins, wipe out their memory with my name. I want my boy to
change his name, too." [_He hesitates a moment, and then scratches that
sentence heavily out._] No, I won't say that. [_He waits a moment._] God
in heaven, what wouldn't I give for one friendly word just now! Some one
to sort of say _good-by_ to me--take my hand--even a _servant_!
[_He looks about him, showing signs of drowsiness. The door Right bursts
open._ STERLING _quickly hides the letter in his inside pocket as_
WARDEN _comes in._
WARDEN. My hat! Where's my hat!
[_He looks about for it._
STERLING. [_Quietly._] Ned?
WARDEN. My hat, I say! Where's my hat?
[_Looking._
STERLING. Ned!
[_Something in his voice arrests_ WARDEN'S _attention._
WARDEN. What? [_He looks at him._] What's the matter--
STERLING. Nothing--I'm half asleep, that's all--the reaction--I'm worn
out and I've changed my mind--
WARDEN. How do you mean?
STERLING. I'm going away for good--that's the best I can do; I want you
to forgive me--_could_ you? What do you say? Forgive me for everything!
For the sake of the old schoolboy days--
WARDEN.
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