ch over his bride
with the most anxious solicitude, sometimes riding by her side and
holding her hand, when the path admitted it, at other times riding
behind her, so as to keep her in view, and all the time never ceasing
to address to her words of comfort and good cheer. To all his
questions Mimi had never failed to respond in a voice which was full
of cheerfulness and sprightliness, and no misgivings on her account
entered his mind until the light grew bright enough for him to see
her face. Then he was struck by her appearance. She seemed so feeble,
so worn, so fatigued, that a great fear came over him.

"O, Mimi, darling!" he cried, "this is too much for you."

"O, no," she replied, in the same tone; "I can keep up as long as you
wish me to."

"But you look so completely worn out!"

"O, that's because I've been fretting about you--you bad boy; it's
not this ride at all."

"Are you sure that you can keep up?"

"Why, of course I am; and I must, for there's nothing else to be
done."

"O, Mimi, I'm afraid--I'm very much afraid that you will break down."

At this Mimi gave a little laugh, but said nothing, and Claude found
himself compelled to trust to hope. Thus they went on for some time
longer.

But at length Claude was no longer able to conceal the truth from
himself, nor was Mimi able any longer to maintain her loving
deception. She was exceedingly weak; she was utterly worn out; and in
pain Claude saw her form sway to and fro and tremble. He asked her
imploringly to stop and rest. But at the sound of his voice, Mimi
roused herself once more, by a great effort.

"O, no," she said, with a strong attempt to speak unconcernedly; "O,
no. I acknowledge I am a little tired; and if we come to any place
where we may rest, I think I shall do so; but not here, not here; let
us go farther."

Claude drew a long breath. Deep anxiety overwhelmed him. Mimi was, in
truth, right. How could they dare to pause just here? The pursuer was
on their track! No; they must keep on; and if Mimi did sink, what
then? But he would not think of it; he would hope that Mimi would be
able, after all, to hold out.

But at length what Claude had feared came to pass. He had been riding
behind Mimi for some time, so as to watch her better, when suddenly
he saw her slender frame reel to one side. A low cry came from her.
In an instant Claude was at her side, and caught her in his arms in
time to save her from a fall.

Mimi had not faint