hould ever accept? That she should not so offer up
her life for him?

What could this mean but a contemplated separation?

So Cora lay sleepless and tortured by these harrassing questions.

When Rule Rothsay entered the front drawing room he found there a young
merchant marine captain whom he had known for many years, though not
intimately.

"Ah, how do you do, Ross?" he said.

"How do you do, Governor? I must ask pardon for calling so late, but--"

"Not at all. How can I be of use to you?"

"Why, in no way whatever. Don't suppose that every one who calls to see
you has an office to seek or an ax to grind. Though, I suppose, most of
them have," said the visitor, as he seated himself.

Rothsay dropped into a chair, and forced himself to talk to the young
sailor.

"Just in from a voyage, Ross?"

"No; just going out, Governor."

Rothsay smiled at this premature bestowal of the high official title,
but did not set the matter right. It was of too little importance.

"I was going to explain, Governor, that I was just passing through the
city on my way to Norfolk, from which my ship is to sail to-morrow. So I
had to take the midnight train. But I could not go without trying for a
chance to see and shake hands with you and congratulate you."

"You are very kind, Ross. I thank you," said Rothsay, somewhat wearily.

"You're not looking well, Governor. I suppose all this 'fuss and
feathers' is about as harassing as a stormy sea voyage. Well, I will not
keep you up long. I should have been here earlier, only I went first to
the hotel to inquire for you, and there I learned that you were here in
old Rockharrt's house, and had married his granddaughter. Congratulate
you again, Governor. Not many men have had such a double triumph as you.
She is a splendidly beautiful woman. I saw her once in Washington City,
at the President's reception. She was the greatest belle in the place.
That reminds me that I must not keep you away from her ladyship. This is
only hail and farewell. Good night. I declare, Rothsay, you look quite
worn out. Don't see any other visitor to-night, in case there should be
another fool besides myself come to worry you at this hour. Now
good-by," said the visitor, rising and offering his hand.

"Good-by, Ross. I wish you a pleasant and prosperous voyage," said
Rothsay, rising to shake hands with his visitor.

He followed the young sailor to the hall, and seeing nothing of the
porter, he let the visi