ccasional kind thoughts when
the ocean divides us. I promise you my unwavering esteem; in exchange
grant me your cordial friendship."

She was growing strangely white, and her breath fluttered, but eyes and
lips came to the rescue with a steadfast smile.

"You allow me no alternative but submission to your will; yet remember,
dear Leo, that in surrendering your pledged faith, I hold myself as
free from any intentional forfeiture, as on the day you gave me your
promise."

"In token that I believe it, I salute and wear your roses."

She bent her head, touched with her lips the flowers at her throat, and
smiling bravely, held out both hands. He took them, joined the palms,
and kissed her softly, reverently on the forehead.

"God bless you, dear Leo. To have known so intimately a nature as noble
and exalted as yours, has left an indelible impression for good upon my
life, which must henceforth be very kinely. Good-bye."

With beat of drum, and blare of bugles, pride claimed the victory; but
as Leo watched the tall, fine form pass out from the beautiful home she
had fondly hoped to share with him, she clasped her hands across her
lips to stifle the cry that told how dearly she had bought the
semblance of triumph.

When the quick echo of his horse's hoofs died away, she went swiftly to
her writing desk.

"Dear Uncle: Please send the enclosed telegram to Mr. Cutting. I had a
sad but decisive interview with Mr. Dunbar, and after obtaining his
consent to my tour, we thought it best to annul our engagement. Tell
Aunt Patty, and spare me all questions. I have not been hasty, and I
asked to be released, because I have deemed it best to leave him
entirely free."

Sealing the note she rang for Justine.

"Take this to my uncle's study, and tell Andrew to bring my phaeton to
the door at four o'clock. Until then, see that no one disturbs me."

With averted face she held out the envelope, then the curtain fell; and
in solitude the aching heart went over the fatal field, silently
burying its slain hopes, realizing the bitterness of its Cadmean
victory.

CHAPTER XXII.

"Certainly, Prince, I understand your motives and applaud your
decision, which is creditable alike to your heart and head. At
father's death he confided Kittie to my guardianship, and I cannot
consent to her scheme of going abroad with you, until your studies have
been completed. She has a few thousands, it is true, but her slim
fortune would not