ra, in surprise and incredulity.

"Yes, my love; that was what he had to explain. The position of his wife
was the situation he had to offer me, and which he thought would suit me
better than any other I had ever filled."

"When was this proposal made?"

"About five months ago, and about seven months after the death of my
dear husband. He said that he would be willing to wait until the year of
mourning should be over."

"Oh, that was considerate of him."

"But I was still heart-broken for the loss of my dear husband. I could
not think of another marriage at any time, however distant. I told him
so. I told him how much I esteemed and respected him and even loved him
as a dear friend, but that I could not be faithless to the memory of my
adored husband. I was very sorry; for he was very angry. He called me
cold, silly and even ungrateful, so to reject his hand. I began to think
that it was selfish and thankless in me to disappoint so good a friend,
but I could not help it, loving the memory of my sainted husband as I
did. I was grieved to hurt Mr. Fabian, though."

"I do not think he was seriously injured. At least I am sure that his
wounds healed rapidly; for in a very few weeks afterward he proposed to
Miss Violet Wood, and was accepted by her. They were married on the
fourteenth day of February, and sailed for Europe the next day," said
Mrs. Rothsay.

"Yes; I know. Disappointed men do such desperate deeds; commit suicide
or marry for revenge. Poor, dear girl!" murmured Rose Stillwater, with a
deep sigh.

"Why poor, dear girl?" inquired Cora.

"Oh, you know, she caught his heart in the rebound, and she will not
keep it. But let us talk of something else, dear. Oh, I am so happy
here. So free from fear and trouble and anxiety. Oh, what ineffable
peace, rest, safety I enjoy here. No one will pain me by presenting a
bill that I cannot pay, or frighten me by telling me that my room will
be wanted for some one else. Oh, how I thank you, Cora. And how I thank
your honored grandfather for this city of refuge, even for a few days."

"You owe no thanks to me," replied Cora.

"A thousand thanks, my darling!" said Rose, and hearing the heavy
footsteps of the Iron King in the hail, she added--as if she heard them
not: "And as for Mr. Rockharrt, that noble, large brained, great hearted
man, I have no words to express the gratitude, the reverence, the
adoration with which his magnanimous character and munificent
benevol