n it was all over, and her arm had partially healed, she began
to realize acutely the anomalous position in which the purpose she had
formed placed her to Edward.

It is true he came every day, and always with words upon his lips that
sent the hot blood to her cheek, and each time she strove in vain for
courage to approach the subject upon which hung her destiny. It was no
wonder that she thus halted; that her heart stood still at the bare
possibility of losing its idol; for, orphaned and alone, beyond it she
saw no light in her path; only fearful darkness like the shadows of
death.

There had been no word of explanation, and Edward seemed to have
forgotten that he had ever desired any, and he had settled into his
former assurance. His mother had, of late, spoken to her
confidentially of the time when, as Edward's wife it would be her
pleasure to relieve her of all troublesome cares; and Little Wolf
listened in silence and in agony. She longed to unbosom her feelings
but restrained herself with the resolve that she would, without
delay, make them known to Edward.

In this state of mind she one day opened the drawer where lay
Antoinette's letter and taking it out sat down to read it. She found
nothing of interest in the contents, except that which she had
previously heard, until her eye caught the postscript at the bottom
which read thus:

"One day later. The Indian stayed yesterday to assist in
burying the dead. He has just breakfasted and will start in a
few moments, and I hasten to tell you the good news. Rejoice
with me, all my fears are put to flight. Last night my
conscience told me that I ought to invite cousin John to read
this letter. He looked so serious when he had done so, that I
was afraid I had offended him. But this morning to my utter
astonishment he handed me a Total Abstinence Pledge, drawn up
in due form, with his own name and Maria's signed to it, and
playfully bade me write my name with theirs. "For," said he,
"Antoinette, I intend in future to look well to the morals of
my household, and see that they touch not, taste not, handle
not, any beverage that will intoxicate." I burst into tears,
and he said, "O well, if you feel so badly about it, you need
not sign it," but he well knew they were tears of joy, and
there would be no trouble about signing it. Would that the
head of every family in the land, might do as cousin John has