"That Paul gained his case in March, and made a large sum of money by it. That Mr. Curtis was so much pleased he offered to make Dudley a sort of partner in the profits; that is he was to stay abroad and have a royalty on every article sold under their patent. It will be a year more, my informant tells me, before it is necessary for Paul to be there; but he is wasting his time while—" "No, Edward; don't draw inferences which you may regret. He is travelling as he proposed to do. Why he doesn't write I don't pretend to explain. He may have written frequently and the letters be still delayed. You have told me nothing as yet which is disgraceful; unworthy an honorable man. (You see I overheard Marion's expressions.) Nothing to lead me even to a desire to forget the words, 'I promise to love, honor and obey Paul Dudley; to cling to him till death us do part.' You are prejudiced, Edward; Paul observed the change and mourned it. You will live to regret you suspected him. The year is not out. You know he is not aware he has a son; and you will see that he will either return or send for me to join him, and I shall go." CHAPTER XV. SALE OF THE ROCKS. SHE was turning to leave the room, when he placed his hand on hers. "Wait one minute, sister. I have not yet done; but I am more proud of you than I ever was in my life. If I thought any one would ever love me with such disinterested affection, I should be very happy. You have proved yourself strong to endure, and I will tell you all." For one instant she turned pale and putting up her hand murmured: "Wait," but presently with a flashing eye, added: "Well, what more did you hear?" "That my brother-in-law has fallen into bad habits; that he has been seen in the lowest company, especially since Mr. Curtis left him;—that the party who travelled with him have excluded him from their circle. Is not that enough?" "I do not believe one word of it; and I shall tell him so. Will you have the goodness to ascertain from your friend where a letter will reach my husband?" "Yes, I'll do it; though I don't approve your writing. But Gerty, promise me one thing. If you ascertain that his habits are corrupt, that he, is staying abroad with the intention of abandoning you, will you allow me to procure a divorce?" "Never, until I have Bible authority for such a course. Until I am convinced that he has been unfaithful to his marriage vows, I shall cling to him and him alone; hoping to win back the affection he once pledged me." Her voice trembled a little at last. She returned his kiss and only adding: "Excuse me to Marion," went to her own chamber. The next hour was passed in prayer for the wanderer. If a doubt of his worthiness crossed her mind, she would not entertain it a moment. She did not sleep until she had covered eight pages with assurances of her affection. She said nothing of what she had heard; but begged him to hurry home to her and their dear little Paul.