even for a moment upon her. Yet a stern sorrow settled on his broad
brow, and around the firmly compressed lips.

"Inez, I do not, cannot love you, other than as the kind friend of
other days. I have never loved but one--I never shall. Mary, my own
angel Mary, ever rests in my heart. I cannot forget her--I can never
love another. I do not even thank you for your love, for your avowal
gives me inexpressible pain! I have suspected this, Inez, for long,
and your own heart will tell you I gave no ground to hope that I could
return your affection. I have striven to treat you like a sister of
late, yet this painful hour has not been averted. Equally painful to
both. Inez, your own words make it more than ever necessary that we
should part forever. I cannot return your love--I will not encourage
it. You must, as soon as safety allows, return to your old home.
Inez, do not cherish your affection for me, it can only bring pain and
remorse; forget me, and remember that you have imperative duties of
your own to perform. This is your darkest hour, and believe me, in
time you will be happy, and a blessing to your people. Remember Mary's
words, and her parting gift, and I pray God that we may so live that
we shall all meet in a happier home."

"Then I shall never see you again?" she said, in a calm and
unfaltering voice.

"For your sake, Inez, it is best that we should not meet again. If I
survive this war I go to Europe, and you will probably never see me
more. Inez, I pain you--forgive me. Your own good requires this candor
on my part."

An ashy paleness overspread the cheek and brow of his companion as he
spoke, and the small hands clutched each other tightly, yet no words
passed the quivering lips.

"Good-by, Inez! my kind and valued friend, good-by!" He held out his
hand. She raised her head, and gazed into the sad yet noble face of
the man she had loved so long. She clasped his hand between both hers,
and a moan of bitter anguish escaped the lips.

"My love will follow you forever! A woman of my nature cannot forget.
I shall sink to eternal rest with your name on my lips--your image
in my heart. Yet I would not keep you here--go, and may your God ever
bless you, and--and--may you at last meet your Mary, if there be a
heaven! We part now, for you have said it; good-by, and sometimes,
when all is joy and gladness to you, think a moment on Inez! the
cursed, the miserable Inez! sitting in bitter darkness by her lonely
heart