“He went away. Ione became herself again but she was a pitiable object. She wanted so much to die. Just at this time the Prince came unexpectedly; he had concluded that he could not live without me and had come to take me, rank or no rank. He met Ione Singleton; her sadness caused him to ask questions. I told him all, and then with my arms around his neck asked him if he wished me to be happy. “‘Of course I do, dearest, and came to try and make you so.’ “‘Then,’ said I, ‘marry Ione, and not me.’ “He objected, but I would not yield, and she is a princess now, having lavished upon her the same kind treatment which almost healed the wound so much like hers, that I had suffered.” TALE FIVE. A FORECAST. “Ah, that is the ship from over the sea, That is bringing my lover back to me, Bringing my lover so fond and true, Who does not change like the wind like you.” “Oh, my! Look at that. Money, a letter, and good news. Oh, jolly! Three aces, change of places, and affection of a dark man, and a diamond woman has good hearts for me, and great days! Of all things! Well, just look at that! The nine of diamonds, my wish! I am going to get my wish, so I am, ’cause the cards say so!” I stood in the open door as the above monologue was being rendered, feeling a trifle guilty at the thought that I was even a friendly eavesdropper. I consoled myself, however, with the assurance that I did not intend to listen, and that I stood as I did all on account of the picture before me. Even the calloused heart of the writer was felt to swell, and his mind counted backward to a time when he often looked upon such sights as I now beheld. The room was small, but very cozy and well furnished. The careless confusion with which the pillows and doilies were scattered around the room was so absolutely natural that it helped me to form an opinion of the occupant. And she was but little more than a child. There she sat tailor fashion on the soft, fur rug, shuffling and dealing a pack of cards, all the time prattling to herself as some card was turned over that would signify any important event in her life. Her sweet, youthful voice was in unison with the rings of light shining hair, while the rosebud mouth seemed to talk only to keep the big blue eyes from expressing the feelings of this care free heart. When the merry chattering ceased I concluded it was absolutely necessary, for manner’s sake if nothing more, to make my presence known. I did so by addressing the young lady. “Ah, are you here? When did you come? Won’t you sit down?” The running fire of questions did not disturb me in the least, for before I could frame an answer to any of them she continued to talk.