he known that she whom he loved suffered also!

Later in the day, as he was slowly walking toward the hotel, plunged in
one of those despondent moods to which he had been subject before his
sojourn in America, he was roused by a clear, ringing voice, though so
long unheard, still familiar, and ever pleasant to his ears.

"Maurice!"

"Ronald! There is not a man in the world I would rather have seen!"

"And you are the very man I was seeking. I came to Washington on purpose
to see you," replied the young artist, who had exerted so strong an
influence over the character of Maurice in other days, and who had done
so much toward "shaping his destiny."

Ronald was somewhat changed; the rich coloring of his handsome face had
paled, or been bronzed over; a few lightly traced, but expressive lines
were chronicles of mental struggles, and told that he had thought and
suffered. There was more contemplation and less gayety in the brilliant
brown eyes; more reflective composure and less impulsive buoyancy in his
demeanor. Heretofore his bearing, language, whole aspect had ever
communicated the impression of possible power; now it bespoke power
confirmed and concentrated, and brought into living action.

The friendship of Maurice and Ronald had not grown cold during the years
they had been separated. They had corresponded regularly; their interest
in each other, their affection for each other had deepened and
strengthened with every year, as all emotions which have their root in
the spirit must deepen and strengthen,--the elements of _progress_ being
inseparable from those affections which draw their existence from this
life-source.

Maurice, during his sojourn in Charleston, had paid weekly visits to
Ronald's parents, usually spending his Sundays beneath their hospitable
roof; and this made the day a true Sabbath to him. During the two months
he had passed in Washington, Maurice had only written brief letters to
Mrs. Walton; for the rapid succession of exciting events had engrossed
his time, though it could not make him forget one who was ever ready
with her sympathy and counsel. Her replies also had been curtailed by
the all-absorbing joy of welcoming her son after his long absence.

The young artist had now achieved an enviable reputation as a painter.
His first works were characterized by a towering ambition in their
conception, which his unpractised execution could not fitly illustrate;
but they had disappointed no one s