was written to my husband or my father, and it did
not matter to me which, for I had determined not to use it.

"It is open--won't you see what it says?"

"That is unnecessary also."

I thought I knew that Martin had tried to take everything upon himself,
and I was resolved that he should not do so.

He looked at me with that worshipful expression which seen in the eyes
of the man who loves her, makes a woman proud to be alive.

"I feel as if I want to kiss the hem of your dress, Mary," he said, and
after that there was a moment of heavenly silence.

It was now half-past eight--the hour when the motor-car had been ordered
round to take him to the town--and though I felt as if I could shed
drops of my blood to keep back the finger of my cuckoo clock I pointed
it out and said it was time for him to go.

I think our parting was the most beautiful moment of all my life.

We were standing a little apart, for though I wanted to throw my arms
about his neck at that last instant I would not allow myself to do so,
because I knew that that would make it the harder for him to go.

I could see, too, that he was trying not to make it harder for me, so we
stood in silence for a moment while my bosom heaved and his breath came
quick.

Then he took my right hand in both of his hands and said: "There is a
bond between us now which can never be broken."

"Never," I answered.

"Whatever happens to either of us we belong to each other for ever."

"For ever and ever," I replied.

I felt his hands tighten at that, and after another moment of silence,
he said:

"I may be a long time away, Mary."

"I can wait."

"Down there a man has to meet many dangers."

"You will come back. Providence will take care of you."

"I think it will. I feel I shall. But if I don't. . . ."

I knew what he was trying to say. A shadow seemed to pass between us. My
throat grew thick, and for a moment I could not speak. But then I heard
myself say:

"Love is stronger than death; many waters cannot quench it."

His hands quivered, his whole body trembled, and I thought he was going
to clasp me to his breast as before, but he only drew down my forehead
with his hot hand and kissed it.

That was all, but a blinding mist seemed to pass before my eyes, and
when it cleared the door of the room was open and my Martin was gone.

I stood where he had left me and listened.

I heard his strong step on the stone flags of the hall--he was going out