vy. Covington
returned the affidavit to him and left him free to proceed or not, as he
saw fit. Levy's delight was unbounded--"it was such a nice case."
Buckner was quickly summoned to the lawyer's office and a new agreement
drawn between them, which gave special joy to Buckner, as it meant an
increased supply of money and a renewed lease of life in New York City,
which he had learned to "love." Besides the agreement, he was asked to
sign a letter to Mrs. Gorham, which had been carefully worded by Levy
and was filled with lurid descriptions of his affection and loneliness.
He had accidentally become aware of the fact that their separation was
not legal, and the unexpected knowledge had served to revive in him all
the fondness of the early days. He had mastered the curse of drink which
had brought about their estrangement, and needed her companionship and
care. He regretted the inconvenience which it might occasion, but Mr.
Gorham had everything while he had nothing but the affection which he
felt for her--and that as she was now, and always had been his wife, he
demanded his rights.

Levy had known men to change their minds, and in order to prevent any
such misfortune he despatched the letter by special messenger early in
the evening. Gorham had returned late and betook himself to the library
immediately after dinner to consider the new business complications with
great care before grappling with the situation on the following day. He
was still meditating when he was surprised to see Eleanor enter the
room, with an expression on her face which at once made him forget his
own perplexities.

"Why, Eleanor!" he cried, "what has gone wrong with you?"

Mrs. Gorham took her favorite seat on the arm of her husband's chair,
and he drew her to him.

"I saw Ralph Buckner while out driving a few weeks ago," she said in
response to his question. "It unnerved me at the time, and I have been
apprehensive ever since. I did not tell you about it, as there seemed
nothing on which to base my fears, and you were so occupied. I hesitate
even now to add to your burdens, but this letter has just come, and you
should see it."

As she spoke she placed the open letter in his hand, and he read it
carefully.

"There can be nothing to this--can there?" she asked, her lip trembling
and her whole expression showing how eagerly she awaited his answer.

"Eleanor," he said, softly, drawing her onto his lap, and soothing her
with the tenderness