hand and great kindness, with the
attentions of the good friends here, I have been kept alive for this
day."

Emma Mason bade him good-night, saying she must go over to her boys
again, and get her discharge from the surgeon in charge.

In three days Ashton bade adieu to his friends in the "Douglas," and
with Miss Mason, Dr. B. and myself, he got into the carriage waiting,
directing the driver to stop at the residence of the Rev. Dr. Smith.
There they were united, and received our heart-felt congratulations,
and proceeded to the cars, which soon bore them to their friends
North.

A few days ago a servant came to my room, bringing a card.

I read: "Paul Ashton and wife."

I almost flew down to them. They were on their way South to settle up
their property and provide for the old servants who remained there.
Paul had returned to the army and remained until the close of the war,
having reached the rank of colonel. He is looking very well. He has
been offered a commission in the regular service, but his wife says
his country had him when he was needed, but she must have him now.
They are taking with them the remains of poor Harry, to place beside
his father in their Southern home. His mother is now quite resigned,
and says she is only waiting God's will to meet her friends above.

* * * * *

EARNEST AND TRUE.

BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.

But still our place is kept and it will not wait;
Ready for us to fill it soon or late,
No star is ever lost we once have seen,
We always MAY be, what we MIGHT have been.

"You have never loved me, Constance, or you could not thus calmly bid
me go, without one word of hope for the future. Only say that I may
some day call you mine, and I will win a name that you will not blush
to bear."

"Would to Heaven I could, Ernest; but I can see no hope of my father's
relenting. You heard how determined he was never to consent to my
union with any one save Gerald. You say I have never loved you!
Believing this, it will not be so hard for you to leave me. It is
useless prolonging this interview! Every moment brings an increase of
agony, making it harder to part. Bid me good-by, say God bless me, and
go quickly, if you have any mercy for me."

"Listen just for a moment more! Oh, my darling, forgive my hasty
word; but, Constance, if your love was as devoted and single as mine
you would not thus resign one who loves you only of all the