is only the quick
breathing of the sinking man. There is a long, long look from the dying
eyes; a slow movement towards the well-nigh pulseless heart. Then comes
the sound of heavy feet upon the stair, and presently the uncouth form
of Rix is at the threshold, a piteous look in his haggard face. Abbot
raises a hand in warning, and glances quickly from the prisoner at the
door to the frame whence fast is ebbing the imprisoned soul. The hand
that had faintly clasped his is slowly creeping up to the broad and
brawny chest, so feeble now. Far across the rippling waters of the
Rappahannock the notes of a bugle, prolonged and distant, soft and
solemn, float upon the still night air. 'Tis the soldiers' signal
"Lights Out!"--the soldiers' rude yet never-forgotten lullaby. An
instant gleam as of recognition hovers in the glazing eyes. Then follow
a few faint gasps; then--one last gesture as the arm falls limp and
nerveless; but it draws forth her precious picture and lays it at a
rival's feet.

THE END.

* * * * *

BY AMELIE RIVES.

A BROTHER TO DRAGONS, AND OTHER OLD-TIME TALES. Post 8vo, Cloth,
Extra, $1 00.

VIRGINIA OF VIRGINIA. A Story. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Extra,
$1 00.

One is permitted to discover qualities of mind and a proficiency
and capacity in art from which something new and distinctively the
work of genius may be anticipated in American literature.--_Boston
Globe._

Miss Rives has imagination, breadth, and a daring and courage
oftenest spoken of as masculine. Moreover, she is exquisitely
poetical, and her ideals, with all the mishaps of her delineations,
are of an exalted order.--_N. Y. Star._

It was little more than two years ago that Miss Rives made her
first literary conquest, a conquest so complete and astonishing as
at once to give her fame. How well she has sustained and added to
the reputation she so suddenly won, we all know, and the permanency
of that reputation demonstrates conclusively that her success did
not depend upon the lucky striking of a popular fancy, but that it
rests upon enduring qualities that are developing more and more
richly year by year.--_Richmond State._

It is evident that; the author has imagination in an unusual
degree, much strength of expression, and skill in delineating
character.--_Boston Journal._