r. Hector Hamm had come to enquire regarding my condition and
to express a desire to have private conversation with me at the very
earliest moment when I might receive visitors. Therefore, it is plain
that he has been here at least twice, but each time--oh, fortunate
circumstance--has been turned away from the door. 'Tis I and I alone who
know his implacable object. His lust for vengeance is not assuaged. He
will accept no defence, will pause not to hearken to my prayers for
mercy. Even now he may be lurking without seeking opportunity to destroy
me utterly.

Infirmity chains me to my couch, but when the injured limb may bear my
weight I shall flee, even as the hind before the huntsman. Should I
escape I shall, in different surroundings far, far from here, take up
anew the shattered threads of my existence, a broken-hearted wretch,
seeking by good deeds done under an assumed name to atone for this, the
one blot upon the fair escutcheon of my life. Should I fall before his
fatal aim this confession, written during the temporary absence of my
nurse from the chamber of invalidism, will be found among my
belongings.

Even though as I pen this, perchance my last declaration, I am strangely
torn between two all-consuming wishes. I desire above all things to be
gone ere it is too late. And yet above all things, I desire to look
again upon the face of my adored one. But alas, that may not be! 'Twould
be folly multiplied upon folly to dare attempt it. I cannot think upon
her. I must think upon her uncle.

Hildegarde, farewell, a long, a last, a fond farewell! I have sorely
sinned, but 'twas for love of you! Adieu, adieu, all that I hold dear.

* * * * *

THREE HOURS LATER.--Oh, Little Diary! O Great Joy!

In a transport of delight I add this postscript. She has been
here--Hildegarde--my Hildegarde. All is explained, all is atoned for.

But an hour agone she came. She burst in upon me. Heedless of the
presence of others, she threw herself upon my breast. I found her arms
entwined about me, my arms entwined about her. With her head hidden
upon my bosom, in sweet confusion, and with tears of thanksgiving
coursing adown her cheek, she made it clear to my understanding--oh, so
sweetly clear--that I, most woefully, had been misled. As yet my
delighted intellect can scarce grasp the purport of her disclosures, but
from the rest these salient, these soothing, these beautiful facts stand
out:

I w