"You believe me, John?" Virginia cried, in a tone of heartfelt thankfulness--her eager gaze fastened on his face. Her pleading touched him deeply. He took her in his arms, gently kissed her fair brow, and in a broken voice, said: "Virginia, we are only human, with human failings; but in your honor and truthfulness of this dreadful affair, God bear witness to my faith!" A devout joy flushed the pallor of her beautiful face, as she responded with a thankful heart, purified as gold with fire: "My prayers are answered, and my brother is himself again." "Yes, Virginia," he continued, with the fervor of family pride, as he thought of the part she had taken in Dorothy's rescue--"And in that book which shall be opened in the last great day, there will be pointed out by the Recording Angel--my sister's atonement." Then, without releasing her, he went on in an altered, anxious voice: "And my darling wife! Where is Constance? Tell me, Virginia, that I may go to her at once and plead her forgiveness." "What shall I say?" she whispered, awestruck, caught in a moment of forgetfulness of the woman who suffered for it all. "I must not tell him where she is. No, no, no! Not yet!" and she battled to subdue her agitation that she might invent some plea to postpone the meeting with his wife. "Not now; not now, John," and drawing away from him, unconsciously put out her hand as though to ward off some impending evil. "Why not?" he asked in surprised tones. "I must see her. I must know where my darling wife is at once!" A flash of pain shot athwart the girl's features as she muttered under her breath: "Oh, dear! What shall I tell him, what shall I say? What shall I do now?" Thorpe hastily stepped forward to her assistance, and with concern in his voice, said: "Virginia, you are ill!" "Let me rest for a moment or two"--trying her utmost to appear unperturbed, and as she sank on a bench, continued brokenly: "I shall be all right presently. The long walk--the terrible strain"-- "My dear sister, you need assistance," interrupted Thorpe. "You must let me help you to the house and obtain proper care for you," and he tenderly attempted to lift her to her feet. "No, no, no!" she quickly responded; "I--shall be better in a few moments. Just a little--quiet rest, John, and alone, please. I shall soon be well again." "As you desire, Virginia; but I shall tell Mrs. Harris." "No, no, John! Don't tell her! I wish to be alone for awhile." "Very well, dear; as I have a message for Mr. Harris, shall seek him at the house; but I will return in a few moments," and then, considerate for her wish to be alone, he left her. Helpless to resist the impetus of her consuming desire to reunite John and his wife, Constance, she yet dreaded the aftermath of the shock his discovery must surely produce. Virginia knew not which way to turn or what course to pursue.