love gage to a youth to whom I promised myself
in marriage. Doubtless all your tale is true also, sir, and I thank you
for your courtesy in bringing it so far. It is a sad tale, a very sad
tale. And now, sir, as I may not ask you to stay in this house where I
live alone, and there is no inn near, I propose to send serving men to
conduct you to my brother's dwelling that is something more than a mile
away, if indeed,' she added slowly, 'you do not already know the path!
There you will find entertainment, and there the sister of your dead
companion, Mary Bozard, will be glad to learn the story of his strange
adventures from your lips.'

I bowed my head and answered, 'First, senora, I would pray your answer
to my friend's dying prayer and message.'

'It is childish to send answers to the dead.'

'Still I pray for them as I was charged to do.'

'How reads the writing within this ring, sir?'

'Heart to heart, Though far apart,'

I said glibly, and next instant I could have bitten out my tongue.

'Ah! you know that also, but doubtless you have carried the ring for
many months and learned the writing. Well, sir, though we were far
apart, and though perchance I cherished the memory of him who wore this
ring, and for his sake remained unwed, it seems that his heart went a
straying--to the breast indeed of some savage woman whom he married, and
who bore him children. That being so, my answer to the prayer of your
dead friend is that I forgive him indeed, but I must needs take back
the vows which I swore to him for this life and for ever, since he has
broken them, and as best I may, strive to cast out the love I bore him
since he rejected and dishonoured it,' and standing up Lily made as
though she tore at her breast and threw something from her, and at the
same time she let fall the ring upon the floor.

I heard and my heart stood still. So this was the end of it. Well, she
had the right of me, though now I began to wish that I had been
less honest, for sometimes women can forgive a lie sooner than such
frankness. I said nothing, my tongue was tied, but a great misery and
weariness entered into me. Stooping down I found the ring, and replacing
it on my finger, I turned to seek the door with a last glance at the
woman who refused me. Halfway thither I paused for one second, wondering
if I should do well to declare myself, then bethought me that if she
would not abate her anger toward me dead, her pity for me living wo