`` The doctors wo n't allow anyone in the room but those he 's used to . Strangers excite him . '' The insolence and cruelty of her speech fell on unheeding ears . Emily , understanding only that her husband yet lived , turned to the hall door . `` Stand back ! '' she said in a voice that was little more than a thrilling whisper , but which yet had in it something that cowed Almira Sentner 's malice . Sullenly she stood aside and Emily went unhindered up the stairs to the room where the sick man lay . The two doctors in attendance were there , together with the trained nurse from the city . Emily pushed them aside and fell on her knees by the bed . One of the doctors made a hasty motion as if to draw her back , but the other checked him . `` It does n't matter now , '' he said significantly . Stephen Fair turned his languid , unshorn head on the pillow . His dull , fevered eyes met Emily 's . He had not recognized anyone all day , but he knew his wife . `` Emily ! '' he whispered . Emily drew his head close to her face and kissed his lips passionately . `` Stephen , I 've come back to you . Forgive me -- forgive me -- say that you forgive me . '' `` It 's all right , my girl , '' he said feebly .
She buried her face in the XXXXX beside his with a sob .
Strangers back cruelty doctors ears eyes man motion pillow room