e shall go forth armed with the power to
overcome and to conquer the great hosts of ignorance and selfishness
which so hinder the world's progress.

"Really, my true love, although this letter is so long, I cannot close
it without again expressing my appreciation of your soul-satisfying
letter; so laden with the fragrance, the benediction of your love; so
potent with the charm of happiness for me. To its benign influence my
heart responds by the awakening of the highest and best emotions of my
spiritual nature. Written in clear, plain English, it appeals to me as a
letter of such sterling intelligence as only my ideal of a lover could
write. How different it is from the soft, sweet nonsense of fashionable
fops; the effusive gush of poetical dudes.

"Now, I must say to you Good bye, my sweetheart! Remember that waking or
dreaming, I love you truly. Only you, so dear to me--you, so generous,
so noble, so good. Bright are the links of love's golden chain which
time cannot sever. Constancy, our love shall bless, now and forever. May
the sweet guardian spirits who guide your footsteps, keep you safely
until we meet again, is the ever-present thought which is inspired by
love's whisper in the heart of your devoted,

"FERN FENWICK."

CHAPTER XXVI.

FERN FENWICK ARRIVES AT SOLARIS.

Fern Fenwick, accompanied by Mrs. Bainbridge, arrived at Solaris on the
afternoon of the third day previous to the tree-planting festival. When
the train reached the station, they were met by Fillmore Flagg
accompanied by George and Gertrude Gerrish, the committee representing
the farm company. With this escort to the village, they were soon
installed in a handsome suite of rooms, beautifully decorated and
furnished for their reception.

After a late luncheon, Fern Fenwick gave a private interview to Fillmore
Flagg. During this interview, which lasted more than two hours, matters
both of business and of love were discussed: love, however, claimed the
lion's share of the time. Very soon, by mutual consent, the major part
of the business was postponed until after the tour of the farm, planned
for the following day, had been completed. Then with a sigh of relief,
they resigned themselves to the sway of that potent charm of blending
magnetic and spiritual auras, which so swiftly transports reunited
lovers to a paradise of their own.

In accordance with previous plans, the next day was spent by the
visitors in driving about the farm. Th