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I was staring into the fire I had not had the lights lit on purpose I

wanted the soft shadows to soothe e

A bitterness and a oodand my eye if I am to suffer torment once more? A sense of

forsakenness held me Perhaps I dozed, because I orn out, when

suddenly I was conscious of a closing door, and opening my eye, I saw

that Alathea stood before me

A log fell and blazed brightly, and I could see that her face was

greatly moved

"I am so sorry if you have been anxious--Burton says you have I would

have been back earlier but I was caught in the crowd"

I reached out and turned on the la, she fell upon her knees at my side

"Oh! Nicholas," she cried brokenly, and I put outis joy!

My heart beat madly, the blood rushed in my veins What was that noise I