ow voice:

"If you should see Inez, tell her to remember my gift at parting, and
thank her, in my name, for her many, many kindnesses." She paused, as
if gathering courage to say something more.

"And tell her, too, that ere many hours I shall be at rest. Tell her
I have no fear, nay more, that I have great hope, and that heaven is
opening for me. Let her prepare to join me, where there is no sorrow
nor parting."

There was a silence, as if each were communing with their own hearts.

"You go to-morrow, Dr. Bryant? Then you will not stay to see me die? I
am failing fast, and when you return, I shall have gone to that bourne
whence no traveler comes back to tell the tale. Let me thank you
now, for your unvarying kindness; many have been your services, and
a brother's care has ever followed me. Thank you; I appreciate your
kindness, and earnest and heartfelt is my prayer that you may be very
happy and blest on earth; and when you, too, come to die, may your
end be like mine--free from all fear, and may hope and joy attend your
last moments!"

Her breathing grew short, and large drops stood on her pure beautiful
brow.

He had bent his head upon his bosom while she spoke, but now he raised
it, and, taking her hand, clasped it warmly.

"Mary, Mary, if you knew what torture you inflicted, you would spare
me this!"

It was the first time he had called her Mary, and her pale lip
quivered.

"Forgive me, if I cause you pain!"

Bending forward, he continued, in a tone of touching sadness--"I had
determined, Mary, to keep my grief locked in my own heart, and never
to let words of love pass my lips. But the thought of parting with you
forever is more than I can bear. Oh! Mary, have you not seen for weeks
and months how I have loved you? Long ago, when first we met, a deep,
unutterable love stole into my heart. I fancied for a time that you
returned it, till the evening we met at my sister's, and you spoke
with such indifference of leaving me behind. I saw then I had
flattered myself falsely; that you entertained none save friendly
feelings toward me. Still, I thought in time you might learn to regard
me with warmer sentiments. So I hoped on till the evening of our last
ride, when your agitation led me to suppose you loved another. I saw
you meet Mr. Stewart, and was confirmed in my supposition. I gave up
all hope of ever winning your affection in return. Now I see my error
in believing for a moment that you felt otherwi