“How so?” “I have business that calls me abroad immediately; it is of that I came to tell you to-night,” he said, with a grave face. “Abroad! Where?” Editha demanded, breathlessly. “To Europe.” “Will—will you be gone long, Earle?” she asked, all the light and beautiful color fading out of her face at this intelligence. “I do not know—no longer than I can possibly help, for I have work of great importance to do here yet,” he said, with a sigh, and a note of bitterness in his tone. Editha knew that he referred to the solving of the mystery of the robbery. She, too, sighed heavily. It was like taking all the joy out of her existence to know of his going away. While he was in the same city and near, so that she could see him occasionally, or hear of him even indirectly, she could be reasonably content; but, with the ocean dividing them, her heart would be heavy enough. Earle marked her emotion, and his heart thrilled. How sweet it was to know that she loved him and would miss him. He arose from his chair, and going to her, sat down by her side. “Editha,” he said, in low, eager tones, “you will be glad to learn that I think I have at last a clew to that wretched business.” “Earle, is it possible? And is that why you are going away?” she asked, eagerly. “Have you found out who did the deed?” “No, not quite that; but I have a clew, and I wish I need not go just now; but other business of the most important nature demands it. I had fondly hoped that before many weeks should elapse I should be able to come to you and tell you that no stain rests on my name.” Editha’s eyes fell beneath his earnest glance. Well she knew what would follow if he could once tell her that. “But, of course,” he went on, “all my work in that direction will now have to be suspended for awhile. But, Editha,” leaning toward her and scanning her drooping face with great earnestness, “is your faith in me as strong as ever?” “Yes, Earle.” Very sweet and low but firm came the reply. “And you will still trust me, even though I may be away a long time?” “_Always_, Earle.” But this with a quick, deep sigh. He looked at her still, his lips trembling as if he longed to say something, yet hesitated. Then he sat suddenly erect and folded his arms tight across his chest, as if to still the heavy beating of his heart.