remains for you to do the best to save your child from
the great peril that lies before her. I wish that I could say, 'Tell
Blanche of our interview and of my solemn warning.' But I cannot, I
dare not do so, for it would be to cast up a wall between me and my son
and to throw him beyond the circle of my influence. It would turn his
heart against his mother, and that is a calamity from the very thought
of which I shrink with a sickening fear."

The two women, sad partners in a grief that time might intensify,
instead of making less, stood each leaning her face down upon the
other's shoulder and wept silently, then raised their eyes and looked
wistfully at each other.

"The path of duty is very rough sometimes; but if we must walk it to
save another, we cannot stay our feet and be guiltless before God,"
said Mrs. Whitford. "It has taken many days since I saw this path of
suffering and humiliation open its dreary course for me to gather up
the strength required to walk in it with steady feet. Every day for
more than a week I have started out resolved to see you, but every day
my heart has failed. Twice I stood at your door with my hand on the
bell, then turned, and went away. But the task is over, the duty done,
and I pray that it may not be in vain."

What was now to be done? When Mr. Birtwell was informed of this
interview, he became greatly excited, declaring that he should forbid
any further intercourse between the young people. The engagement, he
insisted, should be broken off at once. But Mrs. Birtwell was wiser
than her husband, and knew better than he did the heart of their
daughter.

Blanche had taken more from her mother than from her father, and the
current of her life ran far deeper than that of most of the frivolous
girls around her. Love with her could not be a mere sentiment, but a
deep and all-pervading passion. Such a passion she felt for Ellis
Whitford, and she was ready to link her destinies with his, whether the
promise were for good or for evil. To forbid Ellis the house and lay
upon her any interdictions, in regard to him would, the mother knew,
precipitate the catastrophe they were anxious to avert.

It was not possible for either Mr. or Mrs. Birtwell to conceal from
their daughter the state of feeling into which the visit of Mrs.
Whitford had thrown them, nor long to remain passive. The work of
separation must be commenced without delay. Blanche saw the change in
her parents, and felt an insti