t you might have acted from principle in
those sad days, even--"

'"You are kind to concede that much. However, to the present. I was
able to destroy my few papers before I became so weak . . . But in the
drawer there you will find some pieces of linen clothing--only two or
three--marked with initials that may be recognized. Will you rip them
out with a penknife?"

'She searched as bidden, found the garments, cut out the stitches of the
lettering, and replaced the linen as before. A promise to post, in the
event of his death, a letter he put in her hand, completed all that he
required of her.

'He thanked her. "I think you seem sorry for me," he murmured. "And I
am surprised. You are sorry?"

'She evaded the question. "Do you repent and believe?" she asked.

'"No."

'Contrary to her expectations and his own he recovered, though very
slowly; and her manner grew more distant thenceforward, though his
influence upon her was deeper than she knew. Weeks passed away, and the
month of May arrived. One day at this time she met him walking slowly
along the beach to the northward.

'"You know the news?" he said.

'"You mean of the rupture between France and England again?"

'"Yes; and the feeling of antagonism is stronger than it was in the last
war, owing to Bonaparte's high-handed arrest of the innocent English who
were travelling in our country for pleasure. I feel that the war will be
long and bitter; and that my wish to live unknown in England will be
frustrated. See here."

'He took from his pocket a piece of the single newspaper which circulated
in the county in those days, and she read--

"The magistrates acting under the Alien Act have been requested to
direct a very scrutinizing eye to the Academies in our towns and other
places, in which French tutors are employed, and to all of that
nationality who profess to be teachers in this country. Many of them
are known to be inveterate Enemies and Traitors to the nation among
whose people they have found a livelihood and a home."

'He continued: "I have observed since the declaration of war a marked
difference in the conduct of the rougher class of people here towards me.
If a great battle were to occur--as it soon will, no doubt--feeling would
grow to a pitch that would make it impossible for me, a disguised man of
no known occupation, to stay here. With you, whose duties and
antecedents are known, it may be less difficult, but s