you hear that I am--that I am--gone,--will you offer up
the first mass you say for my pace and rest in another world? I say
the first, for you know there's more virtue in a first mass than in any
other. Your Susan will be then in the dust, and you may feel sorrow, but
not love for her."

"Never, Susan! For God's sake, forbear! You will drive me distracted. As
I hope to meet judgment, I think I never loved you till now; and by the
same oath, I will not change my purpose in making you mine."

"Then you do love me still, Denis? And you would give up all for your
Susan? Answer me truly, for the ear of God is open to our words and
thoughts."

"Then, before God, I love you too strongly for words to express; and I
would and will give up all for your sake!"

Susan turned her eyes upon vacancy; and Denis observed that a sudden and
wild light broke from them, which alarmed him exceedingly. She put her
open hand upon her forehead, as if she felt pain, and remained glancing
fearfully around her for a few minutes; her countenance, which became
instantly like a sheet of paper, lost all its intelligence, except,
perhaps, what might be gleaned from a smile of the most ghastly and
desolating misery.

"Gracious heaven! Susan, dear, what's the matter? Oh, my God! your face
is like marble! Dearest Susan, speak to me!--Oh, speak to me, or I will
go distracted!"

She looked upon him long and steadily; but he perceived with delight
that her consciousness was gradually returning. At length she drew a
deep sigh, and requested him to listen.

"Denis," said she, "you must now be a man. We can never be married. I am
PROMISED TO ANOTHER!"

"Promised to another! Your brain is turned, Susy. Collect yourself,
dearest, and think of what you say."

"I know what I say--I know it too well! What did I say? Why--why," she
added, with an unsettled look, "that I'm promised to another! It is
true--true as God's in heaven. Oh, Denis! why did you lave me so' long
without seein' me? I said my heart was broke, and you will soon know
that it has bitter, bitter rason to be so. See here."

She had, during her reply, taken from her bosom a small piece of brown
cloth, of a square shape, marked with the letters I. M. I. the initials
of the names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. She kissed it fervently as she
spoke, and desired Denis to look upon it and hear her.

"When you saw me last," she continued, "I left you in anger, because I
thought you no longer loved