y
patiently?"

"I expect nothing--nothing!"

The same dreary, desperate wail pervaded her voice, but it was not
strange that he mistook her coldness for obstinacy or indifference; the
very intensity of agony she was enduring made her appear heartless.

"You won't explain--you won't--"

She drooped her head wearily.

"I have no explanation to make; there is the bracelet."

He caught up the bracelet, snatched her arm so rudely, and fastened the
bracelet on it with such reckless haste, that she uttered a cry of pain.

"You hurt me," she exclaimed; "this is cruel, unmanly."

"Wear it," he cried; "wear it, and when you look at it remember that you
have dug a gulf between my heart and yours! Wear it, and remember how
you have perjured yourself; how your whole conduct since my return has
been a lie, and if you have any shame or power of repentance left, the
gems will burn into your very soul when you look at them."

Elizabeth fell back in her chair cold and white. He rushed out of the
room. She was not conscious of any thought; her brain was too dizzy; but
sat there clasping her forehead between her hands, and seeming to feel
the whole world reel into darkness before her gaze.

"Has he gone; where is he?"

It was Elsie's voice; she had stolen into the room to learn how the
matter had ended.

"Can't you speak, Bessie; what did he say?"

Elizabeth dropped the hands from her face, and rose from her seat.

"No matter what he said; the end is coming. I told you it would; the end
is coming!"

"Don't look so!" cried Elsie, "you frighten me."

"Frighten!" she repeated with intense bitterness. "You haven't soul
enough in your bosom to be frightened."

"Oh, you cruel, wicked creature!" sobbed Elsie. "Oh, oh! I'll kill
myself if you talk so to me; I'll go to Grant; I'll--"

"Hush!" interrupted Elizabeth. "There--I will say no more! I don't blame
you--remember that! Whatever comes, I won't blame you for this new
danger."

"Oh, you good, unselfish darling!" cried Elsie, drying her tears at
once.

She made a step forward as if to throw her arms about her sister, but
Elizabeth retreated.

"Don't touch me," she said, faintly; "don't touch me!"

"Should I poison you?" cried Elsie, angrily. "One would think I was some
dreadful reptile."

"No, no; don't be angry! I need all my strength! Let me alone, Elsie;
don't speak to me."

"The carriage is at the door," said Elsie, "and Mrs. Harrington is
waiting; for mercy'