both pleasant and
successful."

A shadow drifted over his countenance, like that cast by some summer
cloud long becalmed, which sets sail before a sudden gust.

"Only a modicum of success to counterbalance the disagreeable features
of a journey in a freight train caboose."

"Why do you hazard that dangerous schedule, instead of waiting for the
passenger express?"

"Business exigencies narrow the limits of choice; moreover, had I
waited for the express, I should have missed the coveted pleasure of
this meeting with you. The rosy glamour of happy anticipation conquers
even the discomfort of a freight caboose."

Did she suspect that some sullen undercurrent of intense feeling drove
these eddying foam bells of flattery into the stream of conversation;
or was her reply merely a chance ricochet shot, more accurately
effective than direct fire?

"This afternoon I had a note from Sister Serena, asking for a few
articles conducive to the comfort of a sick room; and I really cannot
determine whether we should feel regret, or relief at the tidings that
that unfortunate girl--can scarcely--"

"Spare me the Egyptian mummy at my feast! The memento mori when I would
fain forget. Let me inhale the perfume of your roses, without hearing
that possibly a worm battens on their petals. Will you ride with me
tomorrow afternoon?"

"I am sorry that an engagement to dine will prevent, as the afternoons
are so short."

"Are you going to the Percy's?"

"Yes. Will you not be there?"

"Too bad! I have just declined attending that dinner, because I had
planned the horseback ride. Formerly fate seemed to smile upon me; now
she shows herself a scowling capricious beldam. I have lost this
evening, waiting to see you, and now, I must steal away unnoticed;
because of an important matter which admits of no delay. Have you
promised to dance with Mayfield? Here he comes. Good-night, my dear
Leo, expect to see me at 'The Lilacs' at the earliest possible moment."

Unobserved he made his escape, and hurried away. At a livery stable he
stopped to order his horse saddled, and brought to his door, and a few
moments later, stood before the grate in his law office, where the red
glow of the coals had paled under ashy veils. From the letter-rack over
the mantel, he took a note containing only a line:

"She has reached the crisis. We have no hope." "SINGLETON."

In the hot embers, it smoked, shrivelled, disappeared; and the attorney
crossed his arm