y, Con.," said Mrs.
Aliston to Constance, who, sitting in her aunt's room, half an hour
after the departure of her small messenger, was endeavoring to atone for
her neglect of the past few days by chatting cheerily upon every
subject but the one which was of deepest interest to herself.

"You should have been with me and seen Sybil Lamotte."

"Sybil! Did you call there?"

"Oh, no. I can't get on with Mrs. Lamotte well enough to brave such a
call alone; she is too stately and non-committal for me."

"You don't understand her, auntie; but Sybil, did you speak with her?"

"Yes, we met just over the bridge, and Sybil stopped the carriage to ask
after you; I think she is anxious to see you."

"Poor Sybil," said Constance, contritely, "I _have_ neglected her of
late; but we will drive there to-morrow; to-day I don't just feel like
going out. Does Sybil look well, auntie?"

Mrs. Aliston leaned forward and lifted a plump forefinger to give
emphasis to her words.

"Con., Sybil is dying or going mad, I can't tell which."

"Auntie! why?"

But Mrs. Aliston went on rapidly. "I never saw such a change; two weeks
ago, one week ago, even the last time she came here, Sybil seemed nerved
to bear her trouble, she carried herself well and seemed firm as a
rock."

"Outwardly."

"Outwardly of course, one couldn't feel much secret pride, compelled to
live under the same roof with that low man she has married; but Sybil
is not calm _outwardly_ now, she has lost all that brilliant color."

"So much the better, it was the outward token of a mental excitement
that would soon drive her mad; Sybil should never have attempted to
brave criticism, and bear her shame so publicly. Every time she has
allowed that man to appear beside her in the streets of W----, has
shortened her life as surely as slow poison could do it."

"Well! mark my word, she won't undergo the ordeal much longer; her eyes
have lost their steady light and luster, and have a wild, frightened,
expectant look impossible to describe; when a horse came suddenly up
behind us, she started and almost screamed with fright, and I could see
her hands tremble and her lips quiver for minutes after; hands, they are
mere claws! and she is growing more shadowy every day."

"Auntie, hush! you have made me as nervous as you picture Sybil. I shall
not rest until I see her."

"There is a gentleman to see you, Miss Constance," said Nelly, from the
doorway, which position she had gain