floor, with a cold
hand resting like lead on my face. I got up; the figure didn't move,
and I supposed that like myself he was stunned by the shock. As I
passed a mirror on my way to the window--I saw myself--for the lamp was
burning bright. God had branded me a thief. Do you see
here--drawn--paralyzed, oh, Gina! All these years I have worn the dark
streak, and one eye was blind, one ear stone deaf. I was a walking
shadow of my own sin; horrible to look upon--and I fled to avoid the
gaze of my race. Somewhere, in Illinois I think, I heard two men on a
train speak of a large reward offered for the recovery of Gen'l
Darrington's will, which had been stolen by one of his heirs, whom the
police were hunting. I was branded--and on my breast here was printed
the face of the dead man--for he had torn my shirt open as he seized me
with one hand, and struck me with the other. I hid in mines, crossed
the plains, secreted myself in a bee ranche. Then the Canadian railroad
was partly built, and I joined the grading party and worked--until the
curse of my sin was more than I could bear. I heard of the holy
Brothers here, made my last journey, confessed my theft, and entered on
my penance. Gina, General Darrington was killed instantly by the
lightning."

As the burden Beryl had long borne slipped suddenly from her heart, the
joy of release from blood-stain was so unexpected, so intense, that her
face blanched to a deadly pallor, and the glad eyes she lifted to her
husband's shone as those of an angel.

"Bertie--Bertie--" Words failed her. She could only kiss the wasted
cold hands that were innocent of bloodshed.

After some moments, the dying man said almost in a whisper:

"I never knew you were punished for my sin, until it was too late to
save you, but God's witness cleared your pure name. The lightning that
scorched me, printed its testimony to set you free. My sister--my
sister--God will surely recompense your faithful--" The voice died in a
quivering gurgle.

"I have my reward, dear Bertie. Oh, how much more than I deserve! I
have you in my arms, innocent of murder, thank God! thank God! I have
the blessed absurance that your pardoned soul goes to meet mother's in
Eternal Peace; and to secure that, I would have willingly died an
ignominious death. It was through the fiery flames of prison, and trial
and convict shame, that God led me to the most precious crown any woman
ever wore, my husband's confidence and love. Only beh