“‘Well, you have my good wishes in this new enterprise, and if I can assist you, command me; but here we are at the gate--will you walk in and take tea with me?’ “‘No, not to-night, Wallingford; I’ll go home now; but where can I see you early in the morning?’ “‘At my office.’ “‘Very well, I’ll call early. Good-night, and pleasant dreams to you.’ “When Heartsell parted with Wallingford he sauntered toward his home whistling ‘Mollie Darling’ while visions of triumph floated gaily before his imagination. Since the dreaded enemy had ingloriously fled, he thought as the victor he was entitled to the spoils; in other words, he imagined that since Demar’s flight, Lottie would be glad to throw herself into his arms. He was vain enough to believe that she would be ready to thank him for the great service he had rendered and ask his pardon for having once rejected his suit. “When Wallingford arrived at home he went immediately to his sleeping room to change his toilet before the supper bell rang. Lighting the gas and looking at his watch, he found it only lacked five minutes to eight; he hurriedly began to arrange his dress. Ten minutes had elapsed after he entered the room when he was startled by a loud scream that went ringing through the house; he ran rapidly to Lottie’s boudoir. “‘What is the matter, mother?’ exclaimed Wallingford, as he appeared at the door where he saw Lottie lying insensible on a sofa, and Mrs. Rockland standing in the middle of the room wringing her hands, apparently wild with terror. ‘Speak, mother! what in Heaven’s name has happened?’ “‘Some terrible news must have been brought in that letter, for she still holds it crumpled up in her hand. Doctor Demar’s clerk delivered it to her a few moments ago, and when she began to read it she turned deadly pale, then screamed and fainted.’ “‘Demar has eloped with another woman, and she has just now found it out!’ “‘Merciful Providence! my son, is that true?’ “‘It is certainly so; and I trust she will at once discard the hateful villain’s memory from her mind.’