seeing a little bit of dark-hued
ribbon round his neck, bent forward, and, loosening it, draws to light a
flat gold locket with the initials P. V. sunk deeply in it. His hand
shook at this discovery; he hesitated; then, some fine instinct
revealing to him that it might contain some hidden charm strong enough
to rouse her from her unnatural calm, he touched Portia's shoulder and
laid the locket in her hand.

Mechanically she opened it, yet testily too, as if unwilling or unable
to keep her eyes for even the shortest space of time from the lifeless
face so dear to her. But, once opened, her glance riveted itself upon
its contents. Her own face looked up at her, her own eyes smiled at her.
It was her portrait that she saw, painted by him, no doubt, sadly and in
secret, and worn against his heart ever since.

Long she gazed at it. Her whole face changed. The terrible calm has
broken up, but no grief came in its place. There was only joy
unutterable and a rapture most blessed and divine.

"My love, I knew it without this," she said, softly. Her eyes once more
returned to him; a quick but lengthened sigh escaped her; her head fell
forward on his breast.

They waited. The minutes grew, but still she never stirred. Some one,
whispering comfort to her, tried to raise her head, but comfort from
heaven itself had reached her. She was _with him_! She was quite dead!

They said some tissue in her heart had given way, and perhaps it was so,
but surely grief had severed it.

THE END.

The "Best" Tonic

[Illustration]

A Concentrated Liquid Extract of Malt and Hops

RECOMMENDED BY EMINENT PHYSICIANS

AND FOR SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS.

The American Drug Clerks Journal acknowledges the receipt of a case of
The "Best" Tonic. The "Best" Tonic is manufactured from the best malt
and choicest hops, and although it has been in the market but a short
time, seems to be already in quite lively demand. While two rival
eastern houses have resorted to the courts to settle the question,
"which is genuine," we would suggest to the trade the wisdom of
recommending their customers to buy The "Best." Some philosopher has
said that the best is always the cheapest. We are sure that the "Best"
is just as cheap, and that no question has ever been raised in regards
to it being "genuine." Always sell the one which is "Best" in more
senses than one.

_From The American Drug Clerks Journal, Chicago, Ills._

[Illustration