r permission, I will mention our
meeting to no one. I trust you; and perhaps if you would trust me, I
might render you some aid."

"The day may come, when I can find it compatible with duty to tell you
the secret of my life. In future years, when you are a happy wife, I
shall by God's help be able to seek you and your husband, and thank you
both for many kindnesses. I pray that you may be as happy as you
deserve."

There was no tremor in the voice that answered quickly.

"If you refer to Mr. Dunbar, you have been led astray by the gossip in
X----. Once, there seemed a probability that our lives might be united;
but long ago, we found that ardent friendship could not take the place
of love; and rather more than three years have passed since we have
even seen each other."

With a startled movement Beryl dropped her companion's fingers, and
laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh! do not tell me that you have broken your engagement!"

The two looked steadily at each other, and while Leo's proud face gave
no hint of pain or embarrassment, Beryl's blanched, quivered.

"How did you know that any engagement ever existed?"

"All X----knew it. Mrs. Singleton and Sister Serena told me."

"I dissolved that engagement before I went to Europe."

"Then you rashly wrecked your beautiful future. Why did you cast him
off? He would have made you happy; he is worthy, I think, even of you."

"Yes, he is worthy, I believe, of any woman whom he may really love;
but my happiness is not in his keeping, and my future holds, I trust,
something much brighter than our marriage would hate proved to me."

"You have thrown away the substance for the shadow. Before it is too
late, reconsider your decision; give him an opportunity to reinstate
himself in your affection. You have both been so kind to me, that I
have hoped you would find life long happiness in each other."

"Dismiss that delusion. His path and mine diverge more and more, and we
no longer dwell in the same State. He has inherited a large amount of
property in Louisiana, and now lives in New Orleans; hence you can
readily perceive how far apart the currents of our lives have drifted.
I rejoice in my freedom; and he, I suspect, is not inconsolable for my
loss."

Through Beryl's whirling brain darted the recollection of a rumor, that
Leighton Douglass was suitor for his cousin's hand; and that Miss Dent
favored the alliance. Was the solution of Miss Gordon's cold, calm
indifferenc