_Alene and Ramon._ Alene Daleman and Ramon Mansford stood within the vestibule of the former's home. Ramon's arm was around Alene's waist and her beautiful black eyes were upturned to his, as if to say, "Fathom the love we tell of, if you can." Down stoops Ramon and plants a fervent, lingering kiss upon the lips of the girl he loves, saying, as he stroked her hair, "The last token of love until the minister has his say." "Let me have a last, too," said Alene, tiptoeing to plant a kiss upon Ramon's lips, and thus the two parted. Light of heart, Alene went tripping to Foresta's room and said: "Foresta, as you know, the house is full of people who have come from a distance to attend my wedding. You need not stay here to-night. I will occupy your room." Foresta was very glad indeed, as an early release enabled her to carry out some plans of her own. * * * * * "Mama," said Foresta, her face buried in her mother's lap, "I have something which I wish to tell you." Her mother stroked her hair, and said, "Tell me, dear." "You know Mr. Arthur Daleman, Jr., threatened you with the penitentiary, but compromised the matter on the condition that I should work for him." "Yes, dear," said Mrs. Crump, beginning to breathe fast through the force of increased excitement. "He pretended that he would not cancel the matter, in order that he might be sure to hold me as a servant," said the girl. Foresta paused and her mother said, "Go on; I am listening." "He had dark purposes, mama," said Foresta. "Yes," said Mrs. Crump, rather feebly, fearful of what was to come. Foresta, detecting considerable anxiety in her mother's voice, looked up quickly. "Now, mama, don't look so scared and troubled; it isn't anything awful, now." So saying, she buried her face again and continued her recital. "He pretends to love me, mama. He has tried many times to kiss me. I knew what kind of a sword he held over you, and while I resented his advances, I sought not to enrage him for your sake." "Well!" said Mrs. Crump, thoroughly alarmed. "I kept him in his place by threatening to tell Miss Alene. He thinks lots of her and that scared him. He wouldn't care about anybody else." Foresta took another look into her mother's face, then resumed her former attitude. Continuing, she said: "Miss Alene leaves to-morrow, and I am afraid to stay there with him. You know a colored girl has no protection. If a white girl is insulted her insulter is shot down and the one who kills him is highly honored. If a colored girl is insulted by a white man and a colored man resents it, the colored man is lynched." Mrs. Crump let a tear drop and it fell on Foresta's cheek. Foresta felt the tear and raised herself and said. "Now, you bad mama, you! What's the use crying? I'll take care of myself," a fierce gleam coming into her pretty eyes. Having wiped her mother's cheeks free from tears, Foresta buried her face again.