level all barriers--she would lay her hands in mine--glorify my name by
taking it as my wife, and thus defy and cancel the past. I was selfish in
my love; I wanted you in my home; I longed for the soft touch of your
fingers, for your proud, dazzling smile of welcome when the day's work was
ended; for the privilege of drawing you to my heart, and listening to your
whispered words of encouragement and fond congratulation in my successes. I
knew that this could never be; that your veneration for your father's
memory would separate us in future, as in the past; that my pleadings would
not shake your unfortunate and erroneous resolution; and it was hard to
give up the dearest hope that ever brightened a lonely man's life. Now I
know, I feel that your love is strong, deathless as my own, though long
locked deep in your heart. I know it by the anguish in your face, by the
quiver of your mouth, by your presence in this place of horrors. God
comfort and bless you, my own darling!--my brave, patient, faithful Irene!"

He smiled triumphantly, and drew her hand caressingly across his cheek.

"Russell, it is useless now to dwell upon our sorrowful past; what
suffering our separation has cost me, none but my God can ever know. To His
hands I commit my destiny, and 'He doeth all things well.' In a little
while you will leave me, and then--oh! then, I shall be utterly desolate
indeed! But I can bear loneliness--I can walk my dreary earthly path
uncomplainingly, I can give you up for the sake of my country, if I have
the blessed assurance that you have only hastened home before me, waiting
for me there--that, saved through Christ, we shall soon meet in Heaven, and
spend Eternity together. Oh, Russell! can you give me this consolation,
without which my future will be dark indeed? Have you kept your promise, to
live so that you could at last meet the eyes of your God in peace?"

"I have. I have struggled against the faults of my character; I have
earnestly endeavoured to crush the vindictive feelings of my heart; and I
have conscientiously tried to do my duty to my fellow-creatures, to my
command, and my country. I have read the Bible you gave me; and, dearest,
in praying for you, I have learned to pray for myself. Through Jesus, I
have a sure hope of happiness beyond the grave. There, though separated in
life, you and I shall be united by death. Oh, Irene! but for your earnest
piety this precious anticipation might never have been mine.