ometimes be sharply pricked into remembrance of your absent friend?"

At this moment, with clanging bells and thundering wheels the train
swept in, and Leo rose to exchange last greetings with numerous friends
Judge Dent and Miss Patty accompanied her as far as New York, and when
the car had been coupled at the end of the long line, and all was in
readiness, Mr. Dunbar took his companion's hand.

"When we parted last, I was angry and hasty. Now I desire to make one
farewell request. You ask a release from our engagement. I grant it. I
hold you perfectly free; but I will consider myself bound, pledged to
you until the expiration of one year. Nothing you can say shall alter
my determination; but twelve months hence, if you can trust your
happiness to my hands, send me this message: 'I wear your ring.' Once
more I offer you my letter of confession. Will you receive it now; will
you look into the heart which I have bared for your scrutiny?"

"No. I voluntarily forfeited that right, when I asked my freedom. If
your letter contains aught that would change my high regard, my
confidence, my affectionate interest in your happiness, I am doubly
anxious to avoid acquaintance with its contents. You have long held the
first place in my esteem, why seek to impair my valuation of your
character? Let us be friends, now and forever."

"Remember you broke your fetters; I hug mine--a year longer. Forget me
if you will; but Leo, when your heart refuses to be strangled, suffer
its cry to reach me. Whatever the future may decree, you shall always
be my noble ideal of exalted womanhood, my own proud, sensitive,
unselfish Leo; and from the depth of my heart I wish you a pleasant
tour, and a safe and speedy return."

A premonitory thrill shook the ear, and dropping the fingers that lay
cold as marble in his, Mr. Dunbar swung himself to the station
platform. The train moved off, but he knew that it would return in
switching, and so he stood hat in hand.

As it slowly glided back, he stepped close to the open window, and
Leo's last look at the man she had loved so long and well, showed him
with the sun shining on his superb form, and coldly locked face. He saw
her hazel eyes dim in their mist of unshed tears, and the sweet,
blanched lips trembling from the spasm that held her heart. She leaned
down, laid her hand on his shoulder.

"Dear Lennox, open your hand carefully; there--hold it close. Good-bye."

Into his palm she dropped something