would remove
their curse from them, that I would wander forth, Cain-like, into the
great world, until my punishment was in some degree commensurate with
my sin. Fern, I have never faltered in my purpose. I have never
repented of my resolve, though their love has sought to recall me, and
I know that in their hearts they have forgiven me. I have worked, and
wept, and prayed, and my expiation has not been in vain.

"In the Crystal you know, you will hardly find a trace of the
high-spirited girl that Raby loved, nay, that he loves still. Ah, I
know it all now; how he seeks for his darling, and makes it his life
purpose to find her, and bring her back to peace. I know how even in
his intolerable anguish he prayed them to have mercy upon me, and to
spare me the awful truth. I have seen his face, that changed blind
face of his. I have ministered to him with these hands, I have heard
his dear voice, and yet I have not betrayed myself."

"Crystal," sobbed Fern, and indeed she could scarcely speak for her
tears, she was so moved by this pitiful story, "if I were you I would
go back to-morrow; how can you, how can you leave him, when he needs
you so?"

"I go back to him?" repeated the other girl, mournfully. "I who have
blighted his life and darkened his days; who have made his existence a
long night? I who have robbed him of the glory of his priesthood, and
made him what he is, a wreck of his former self?"

"Yes," was the steady answer. "I would go back to him and be his eyes,
though his goodness humbled me in the dust. Ah, Crystal, are you worse
than she out of whom the Saviour cast seven devils, and who loved much
because much had been forgiven her."

"Hush, hush! you do not know, Fern!"

"My darling, I do know," persisted Fern, gently, "and I tell you that
it is your duty to go back to Raby, who loves you so. Nay," she
continued, as a deep blush rose to Crystal's olive cheek, "he never
cared for this Mona--your own words have proved that. Go back to him,
and be the light of his eyes, and take his darkness from him, for I
see plainly that he will never leave off seeking you, and you only."

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE TALL YOUNG LADY IN BROWN.

Not enjoyment and not sorrow
Is our destined end or way;
But to act that each to-morrow
Finds us further than to-day

In the world's broad field of battle
In the bivouac of life
Be not like dumb driven cattle,
Be a hero in the strife.