to Roseleaf's lodgings. On the way, with that loved form so near
him, Archie Weil had a constant struggle. She might be his, if he would
forget duty.

And he loved her! God, how he loved her! He could marry her, and perhaps
after a fashion make her happy. The perspiration stood on his forehead
as he dwelt on the bliss that he had resolutely cast aside.

Roseleaf's landlady came to the door in person and informed the callers
that her guest was in about the same condition as he had been for some
days. He was not ill in bed, but he did not leave his room. When she
sent up his meals he received them mechanically, and they were often
untouched when the domestic went for the dishes. He wrote several hours
a day, though he was undoubtedly feeble. Did he have any visitors? Only
one, Mr. Gouger, who was with him at the present moment. Should she go
up and announce them? Very well, if it was not necessary. Mr. Weil could
show the lady into the adjoining room, which was empty, until he had
announced her presence in the house to his friend.

Archie whispered to Daisy when he left her at Roseleaf's door, that he
would come for her as soon as possible. He did not enter the sick boy's
chamber at once, for something in the conversation that came to his ears
arrested his steps at the threshold. Mr. Gouger's voice was heard, and
Archie's ears caught the sound of his own name.

"You should let me send to Mr. Weil," said Gouger. "I am sure he can
explain everything. You have written all you ought for the present. He
would take you to ride and bring the color to those white cheeks of
yours."

"But he cannot bring me the girl I love," responded Roseleaf, with a
profound sigh. "Even if I have done him injustice, she is lost to me
now. You know appearances were against him. Why, you agreed with me
about it. I don't want to see any one. I want to go away from here, and
forget my sorrows as best I can in some far distant place."

There was a sadness in the tone that went to the listener's heart. The
door was slightly ajar and Archie took the liberty of looking into the
room. Roseleaf lay stretched out in a great chair, and Gouger leaned
over him, appearing for all the world like some sinister bird of prey.
Mr. Weil felt for the first time in his life that there was something
uncanny in the aspect of the book reviewer. He did not think he could
ever be close friends with him again. And what did Shirley mean by
saying that Lawrence had "agr