of this young clergyman, who seemed so full of
hope and joy.

The preacher had said: If you feel--as you will feel--that you are
unable to fight unaided; pray. Frank prayed. It was not a request in
which the lips took a very active part, but he poured forth his
whole soul through his heart, to Him who could and would help those
who were unable to help themselves.

When he had finished, he felt quite equipped for the fight. For he
would have to battle.

"I must try to be cheerful, I must set aside all my gloomy
thoughts," he said to himself. "I must endeavour to change my whole
former view of the world. I feel strong. Welcome optimism. Three
cheers for optimism."

Young man, thou art a new convert, and, like every new convert, thou
art enthusiastic.

CHAPTER XVIII.

SUCCESS AFTER SUCCESS.

Having adopted the optimistic view of life, Frank found that it was
not easy to eradicate his dismal turn of mind.

He fought bravely. It was not his first fight. He had been, when
younger, passionate and a trifle ill-tempered, but he had, while
still in his teens, successfully overcome these defects.

He often thought of Adele. He dared not go near "Les Marches." He
knew full well that the sight of the house in which he had first
known love, would arouse in him sentiments of jealousy and grief; so
he satisfied himself with continuing to work at the reformation of
his character. Each victory which he achieved made him feel stronger
and wiser, and every day added to his success.

Let us return to Adele Rougeant. Six out of the twelve months' truce
had now elapsed.

Tom's visits at Les Marches were few and far between.

Adele had chanced to overhear a part of the conversation which took
place between her father and cousin, after she had asked the former
for a year's peaceful solitude.

Quoth Mr. Rougeant: "You will have to wait another year."

"Indeed!" said his nephew.

"Adele says she wishes to think the matter over."

"Oh!" said Tom, biting his nails; with which operation he was very
familiar--"a year will soon pass away."

"Yes," answered the uncle.

Adele's business took her to another room, and she had too much
good-breeding to stay and listen. Eavesdropping was not in her line.
She laughed all to herself. Liberty was so sweet.

When she went out, she could listen with more than ordinary delight
to the songs of the birds. Some were singing with everchanging
variety, others were somewhat more labor