“One of the loveliest children that you ever set eyes on, so bright, so incapable of being spoiled, my heart leaped toward the child the moment I saw him!” George remained thoughtful, while Louis walked up and down the room, excited and restless. “It is strange, if your wife is living,” said George, at last, “that no traces of her can be found. Have you searched since we talked of this before?” “Everywhere, and in vain. This is the misery of my position!” answered Louis, passionately. “If she could be found, a sense of duty would give me strength; I could struggle against this fascination; but with this dull blank of uncertainty before me, I have no power to wrestle with myself.” “We are both in a terrible position,” said George, “but we must act as honest men, and trust God for the rest. You are right, Louis. Leave this country at once. Let me continue the search for Louisa. If I find her, we will join you in any country you may wish. If all search proves vain, she is doubtless dead.” “Yes, I will go. Oh! George, but for you I should never have found strength to leave her, and encounter the desert of existence before me. Yes, I will go!” The resolution was uttered with a gesture of dull despair; and he added, “I _must_ go, or more evil will come of this!” “It is best,” answered George, pressing a hand to his forehead, as if to still some pain there. “But that I can serve you better here, we would go together. All places are alike to me now!” Louis sat down by his brother. Tears stood in his fine eyes, and dusky shadows settled beneath them. “You will see her, George, see her in all her serene loveliness; you will sit by her side, talk with her—talk of me—of my weakness. She is gentle, and will not think my love for her a crime. You will tell her that I have been married—married to her husband’s sister, who may be alive, or who may be in her grave—I know that you will deal with my name in brotherly kindness. But do not let her despise me; tell her how much it cost me to abandon everything for a hard duty. Deal kindly with me, brother, for my heart is almost breaking!” George threw his arms around his brother, and drew him close to the honest heart so full of compassion for his troubles. “Take courage, Louis. All will end well. I will not rest till this mystery is solved. In a few months I will find your wife, or bring you proofs of her death.” “And must I go at once?” said Louis, looking wistfully into his brother’s face. “Why must I leave my native land? The very air she breathes is precious to me.” George smiled compassionately. “It is far better, Louis, that you should be away. How could you be content without seeing her?” “True, true. I will go! Everything is packed. A few hours, and the steamer sails. In that time we shall be separated, perhaps for years, brother.” “No, no, I will join you.” “You have a weary search first. I have tried it.”