me, Lancy? I
wonder if you have found out the truth of the words I said to you in
Halifax. Do not forget that it was to be 'honor bright' between us. I am
beginning to hope that my surmises are correct, but I know it is hardly
fair to force a confession from you that I shrink from making myself. It
may be true that 'open confession is good for the soul,' but I find it is
particularly mortifying to the body.

"But I have been talking to you through the piano to-night, Lancy, and I
must set down in writing a little of what is in my mind, for I have to
confess to you, Lancy, that I can no longer _honestly_ keep the ring that
has stood 'for a sign between me and thee.' Now, do not mistake me, dear
Lancy. I have heard no word of love from any man's lips since I left you,
but for all that I have met someone that will always stand between you and
me, and I really have little to tell you, only that under the conditions I
cannot keep the ring any longer. Will you release me from any promise I may
have given you, and tell me truly if you are not pleased that I asked for
the release? You must not think that I have ceased to care for you, for
there are times, when I am at the piano, that I would give all I ever
possessed to have you beside me, and I have missed you more than I can
tell. I see now that more than one kind of love can find room in the heart
at one and the same time. Now, Lancy, if I have made a mistake in thinking
that you may have had the same experience as myself, and this confession of
mine grieves you, I will keep my promise still, _if you wish it_. I shall
look anxiously for your answer."

But if Guy Traverse had no knowledge of this letter he was present when
Gussie held out the answer across the table, with the words:

"Here is an extra heavy letter from over the sea, Dexie, and that bold
handwriting tells the identity of the writer at a glance, so there is no
use to deny that it is from Lancy Gurney."

Guy saw no hope for him in the flushed face, and Dexie hurried from the
room as soon as she had grasped the letter from Gussie's hand.

But Guy Traverse had no need to be so cast down, if he had only known it,
for the letter said:

"I begin to fear that you are gifted with second-sight, and it is with
shame I confess that I have not kept 'honor bright' with you. I was afraid
you would not understand if I began to explain the matter, but your own
confession has made it easier. I can hardly tell you what has