recognition in the
whirlwind that had wrecked her.

Her father slept under silvery olives in a Tuscan dell, her mother
within hearing of the waves that broke on the Atlantic shore; and if
the wanderer could be purified by penitential tears, what mattered the
shattering of the family circle on earth, when in the eternal Beyond,
it would be indissolubly reformed? Over the black gulf that yawned in
her young, pure life, the wings of her Christian faith bore her
steadily, unwaveringly to the heavenly rest, that she knew remained for
the people of God; and so, she seemed to have shaken hands with the
things of time and earth, and to stand on the border land, girded for
departure. To meet her beloved dead, with the blessed announcement that
Bertie must join them after a while, because she had ransomed his
precious soul; and that the family would be complete under the heavenly
roof, was recompense so rich, that the fangs of disgrace, of physical
and mental torture were effectually extracted. By day and by night the
ladder of prayer lifted her soul into that serene realm, where the
fountains of balm are never drained; and into her face stole the
reflection of that peace which only communion with the Christian's God
can bring to those whom grief has claimed for its own.

To-night, as she listened to the Coronach chanted by the gale, and the
dismal accompaniment of the pelting rain, she realized how utterly
isolated was her position, and kneeling on the bare floor, crossed her
arms on the table, bowed her bead upon them, and prayed for patience
and strength. The ordeal had been fiery, but the end was at hand, and
release must be near.

She heard quick steps in the corridor, and the key was turned in the
lock. Had the jury so promptly decided to destroy her? For an instant
only, she shut her eyes; and when she opened them, Mr. Dunbar was
leaning over her, folding closely about her shoulders some heavy wrap,
whose soft fur collar his fingers buttoned around her throat. She had
not known that she was cold, until the delicious sensation of warmth
crept like a caressing touch over her chilled limbs. She did not stir,
and neither spoke; but after a moment he turned toward the door; then
she rose.

"There is something I wish to say, and this is my last opportunity, as
after to-night we shall not meet again. During the past four months I
have said harsh, bitter things to you, and have unjustly judged you. In
grateful recognition of