es--resign your engagement to me, and your
brother will, in all probability, restore to you the property you have
lost."

"And would you wish me to be under obligations to him? Is not this his
work? Elinor, I would rather enlist as a common soldier, than live in
affluence, and he my benefactor. But I am poor now, and my love may have
become valueless in your eyes," and he turned his fine eyes, moist with
tears, reproachfully on his beautiful mistress.

"I spoke not for myself," said Elinor, gently. "Is not the love that has
sacrificed a fortune for my sake beyond all price? But the thought of
ruining the man I love overwhelms me with despair."

"Patience, my dear girl--time will remedy the evil. I am going to work
hard to win a fortune. In a few years I shall return from India, a rich
man."

"India!"

"It is the only spot on the earth where fortunes can be made in a few
years."

"But the dreadful climate--the many chances against you--"

"I will brave all for your dear sake. Only promise to be true to me,
Elinor; never whilst I live, to wed another."

The promise was given, and sealed upon her lips, and the lovers parted
with many sighs and tears; promising, by everything most holy and dear
to them, to remain constant to each other. Such vows are too often
traced in sand, to be washed out by the returning tide of passion or
interest: sometimes by an unfortunate combination of untoward
circumstances, over which the poor lover cannot exercise the least
control. We shall see how Algernon and his Elinor kept their vows of
eternal fidelity.

Mark Hurdlestone heard of his brother's departure and safe arrival in
India with unspeakable satisfaction. With cautious steps he pursued the
path suggested to him by the implacable spirit of revenge. Before many
months had elapsed, the death of Mrs. Hurdlestone afforded him an
opportunity of obtaining a fresh introduction to Miss Wildegrave. At his
mother's particular request, Mrs. Wildegrave and her daughter had
visited her frequently during her dying illness; and as it exactly
suited his own purpose, Mark offered no objection, but did all in his
power to meet his mother's wishes. The dying woman felt an intense
desire to see the person for whom her favorite son had sacrificed so
much, and she was so pleased with his choice, that she forgave her all
the trouble she had occasioned, kept her constantly near her person
during her last illness, and finally expired in her arms.