They spoke in low tones as he again held her hand, while they picked their way among the extemporized shelters and uneasy refugees in the square. As they approached their own quarters she faltered, "I'm not very brave tonight, and I have long since learned that you are only too brave." He paused, still retaining her hand as he said, "What a strange scene this is! How wild and unearthly those sounds now seem! How odd it all is--our homes yonder deserted and we here under the stars. It's stranger than any dream I ever had, yet if it were a dream I would not wish to wake with you--" "Mr. Houghton, what's that, that, _that?_" Far oft in the southeast there were sounds like faint explosions which grew rapidly louder. Instinctively he drew her nearer, and saw her face grow white even in the faint radiance of the stars. "Oh!" she gasped shuddering as the deep roar of the coming earthquake began. Then his arm drew her close, and she hid her face on his breast. "Ella," he said solemnly, "I love you, God knows if these words were my last I would still say I love you." The mighty roar gradually deepened, and with it blended the cry of thousands; the earth quivered and swayed, then the thunder passed on, accompanied by sounds like the distant crash of falling buildings. George kissed the bowed head and whispered, "There, it's over and we are safe." "Oh, thank God! you were with me!" she sobbed. "May I not be with you always, Ella?" "God grant it! Oh, George, George, I would have leaped after you into the water if they had not held me. How could I do without you now?" "Come, my brave little wife, come with me to my father and reassure him." "George," cried Mr. Houghton. "We are here," he answered, drawing aside the screen. "We?" "Yes, Ella and I. That last shock has rather hastened matters." "Ella, my dear child! Truly God is bringing good out of evil;" and he took the girl into his arms. Then he added, "You'll forgive me and be my own dear daughter?" "Yes, Mr. Houghton. You'll find I am rich in love if nothing else." "Ah! Ella dear, the world seems going to pieces, and my wealth with it, but love only grows more real and more precious." "My father's calling me;" and kissing him a hasty good-by she vanished. Miss Ainsley again ran shrieking out, calling upon Clancy, but Dr. Devoe met her and drew her away from his muttering, half-conscious patient. When she became sufficiently quiet he told her that Clancy was dangerously ill, and that nothing must be said or done to excite him. This seemed to her only another proof of general disaster, and, in almost abject tones, she begged, "Oh, doctor, make me sleep till--my father will surely come to-morrow, and then I can get away."