tunate as to have won her love? What you have related to me can
never make any difference in my feelings toward her, and since I shall
take her to another country, where nothing of this will ever be known or
cast a shadow upon her future, as Lady Heath she will be honored and
respected, and I trust, happy."

Tears welled up into the eyes of the invalid as he listened to the words
of this true, earnest lover.

"God bless you for a noble, royal hearted man!" he exclaimed, reaching
forward and clasping the young baronet's hand. "Yes, I can say God bless
you now--for you have taught me to believe there is an Infinite Father and
I can reverently invoke His benediction upon you. Of course I will give
you Virgie and feel that she is richly blessed in having won such a
husband and thus I can die with not a care upon my heart."

"You have given me the richest boon that it is in my power to crave,"
returned Sir William, his face kindling with happiness. "But you need not
speak of dying. A sea voyage would prolong your life. Come with me at once
to England and to Heathdale where you shall have every comfort and
attention, and the change will do you good."

A sad smile flitted over Mr. Abbot's wan features.

"It is too late," he said, sorrowfully. "I shall not live through another
month; but my mind is at ease and it will be a restful season--the little
time that I am spared. No, I shall never leave this place, but I have a
request to make of you."

"Tell me, and it shall be granted if it is in the power of man," returned
Sir William, eagerly.

"I should like, if you can win Virgie's consent, to see her your wife
before I die. It will be better for you both; then, after I am gone, you
can take her away as soon as you choose, and perhaps among new scenes and
with new ties she will not grieve so bitterly for me."

Sir William Heath's heart leaped with joy at this proposition, though
there was an expression of sadness on his handsome face as he looked upon
the wreck before him, and realized how truly he had spoken. He knew that
he had very little time to live.

"If I can win her, nothing would make me happier than to accede to your
wish," he said, in a low, earnest tone.

At this time, a light step was heard in the hall, and the next moment the
door was opened, while a sweet young voice called:

"Come, papa and Mr. Heath--tea is ready; the peaches are delicious, and
Chi Lu has obtained, from some mysterious source, real cr