blow to my husband; it was an act of treachery, and I could not blame him for his first wild outbreak. But I felt that it was cruel in him to be so relentless when I had confessed all; if he had but been merciful—if he could but have consented to give me a place at his hearth-stone until he had tested my sincerity, I feel that a comparatively happy life might have eventually been ours. I wrote to him times without number, begging him to let me come and be the faithful wife and mother I knew I was capable of being; but he never returned me one word in reply—never told me aught of my child, over whom my heart has yearned as only a mother’s heart can yearn for her only darling. “A short time after our separation I received a letter from Louis telling me of his marriage with an Italian lady, and begging me to forgive him for the wrong he had done me in tempting me from my duty as a wife. A year later news of his death reached me, and then I sought my brother, the only living relative I then had. He received me kindly, and has devoted himself to my comfort and happiness ever since, and we have lived for each other and for the good we could do to others who have suffered and sinned. I have had much of peace—I have even known something of happiness, since no one can relieve the wants of others and witness their comfort and gratitude without being blessed for the good wrought. But I am wearying you with my long story,” madam said, stopping, with a sad smile. “No; it is thrillingly interesting, but so sad,” Earle said, longing to hear the remainder. “I shall soon finish now. I told you, I believe, that my husband was an American, did I not?” “No; is it possible?” Earle exclaimed, greatly surprised. “Yes; and for years I have longed to come to the United States to visit his native land, hoping that by some chance I might glean some news of him and my child. My brother and I visited the place that used to be his home, but he had been gone from there for many years. After the death of his parents he had removed to some city, but no one could tell us where, and no one knew anything of his having a child, and were even surprised to learn that he had ever been married. We could trace him no farther, and I gave up all hope, believing that my child must have died before it reached this country, and so he had never owned the fact of his marriage. “We thought we might as well visit some of the points of interest here before returning home, and it was while at Newport that I found Editha.” “Surely you could not have recognized her after so many years?” Earle said, thinking she meant to imply that.