s nurse. They can say and do things,
and no harm at all come to them, which would mean destruction to you,
because they have help, and you are walking alone. And so be said by me,
Mr. Ware! Go back to the way you were brought up in, and leave alone the
people whose ways are different from yours. You are a married man, and
you are the preacher of a religion, such as it is. There can be nothing
better for you than to go and strive to be a good husband, and to set a
good example to the people of your Church, who look up to you--and mix
yourself up no more with outside people and outside notions that only do
you mischief. And that is what I wanted to say to you."

Theron took up his hat. "I take in all kindness what you have felt it
your duty to say to me, Mr. Madden," he said. "I am not sure that I have
altogether followed you, but I am very sure you mean it well."

"I mean well by you," replied Michael, wearily moving his head on the
pillow, and speaking in an undertone of languor and pain, "and I mean
well by others, that are nearer to me, and that I have a right to care
more about. When a man lies by the site of his open grave, he does not
be meaning ill to any human soul."

"Yes--thanks--quite so!" faltered Theron. He dallied for an instant
with the temptation to seek some further explanation, but the sight of
Michael's half-closed eyes and worn-out expression decided him against
it. It did not seem to be expected, either, that he should shake hands,
and with a few perfunctory words of hope for the invalid's recovery,
which fell with a jarring note of falsehood upon his own ears, he turned
and left the room. As he did so, Michael touched a bell on the table
beside him.

Theron drew a long breath in the hall, as the curtain fell behind him.
It was an immense relief to escape from the oppressive humidity and heat
of the flower-room, and from that ridiculous bore of a Michael as well.

The middle-aged, grave-faced servant, warned by the bell, stood waiting
to conduct him to the door.

"I am sorry to have missed Miss Madden," he said to her. "She must be
quite worn out. Perhaps later in the day--"

"She will not be seeing anybody today," returned the woman. "She is
going to New York this evening, and she is taking some rest against the
journey."

"Will she be away long?" he asked mechanically. The servant's answer, "I
have no idea," hardly penetrated his consciousness at all.

He moved down the steps, and along t