The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-01-21

justice, Tn very pity of the great love he had borne her.
 He heard her sob more and more hintly, he felt his weak hold on life unloosing. Then Philip said:
 "Win you leave me alone with him?"
 And in the silence and darkness he felt Philip had drawn nearer, and had lifted the covering from his face. The shadows were very close to him now 1: but Max knew that his old friend had kissed him before he died.
 But st the very gates of the other world MuriePs voice called him back strong and clear, and passionate.
 "I have come back to tell you the truth, Philip May. Heaven knows l have been false enough to you, but never yet to him. I never loved you. When l was engaged to you did not know what love was but when met Max l knew. When you left me in anger I was glad to be free for knew Max loved me. He may have. been false to you, but only can know how true he has been to nc, aud how for giving, for was So afraid he would dispise me, or perhaps refuse to marry woman who had deserted his friend, that l told him had never been en- gagged to you; he forgave that, though he must have known il was false hood. When he withheld the letter
 o
 But, Muriel, gave you the let ter"
 The words came faint but distinct from beneath the white covering With cry of fearful delight Muriel and Philip sprang forward, and for few moments all was confusion and amaze. And when help was brought and re- storatives applied, and the terrible bruise made by the falling wood of the bridge-which had caused stupor, had been found under his hair, he and they began to understand what had happened. He lay there, with Philip May on one side of him, giving him brandy, and Muriel on the other, with his head on her breast, begging him to wait little before hs asked questions, and only to think how much they both loved him, and how glad they were 70 have him back again and he professed teebly that he must speak now, for this was more than lite to him. If she loved him, why did she make Philip think he had not giver her the letter? For he did give it to her.
 She told him soothingly not to think about it. It was past now, and Philip had forgiven him, and she was glad of what he had done.
 Then he begged her piteously to make him understand, tor he was very tired and confused and could got re- member well but, truly, he thought he had given her the letter.
 She made gesture of entreaty to Philip to leave them while she re- minded him; but Philip refused and stayed, leaning against the wall.
 Muriel bent down till her lips were close to her husbands ear, and said softly:
 "In the letter Philip May wrote to me he asked my forgiveness for quar- rel, and begged me to keep my prom ise to him. In the letter you saw me burn there was nothing but the one word, 'Good-bye.'
 Great heaven! Max-Muriel," cried Philip, tive have all been breaking our hearts for mistake, and I am to blame. wrote that Good bye first then when l got over my anger l wrote, as l said, begging forgiveness l must have given you the wrong let ter, Max, and you did deliver it."
 "Ah, yes," said Muriel, s'and I let you think he had given me no letter, because when I heard your story thought he had forged that which he did give me-"
 Her voice sounded strange and bit ter. She stood apart from them both, her hands clasped tightly together, her face white and ashamed.
 Max began with painful effort to tell them what he had heard, and what he had thought since then, but at the first word or two Muriel stop ped him, saying he must not tire him self
 "I have misjudged you Max, old friend" said Philip, "and caused you both terrible misery. Will you for give me? And then we will ask Muriel to forgive us."
 Max took his friends hand and turned his eyes eagerly to his wife.
 "Muriel, l have thought SO i'll of you"
 Mhriel came forward her voice was sad and grave, but her face reso- lute.
 "No," she said "let no one be blamed but me, for have caused all this. Max, if ! had been as true woman as you are a true man, you would never have doubted me; but your own instinct of truth felt the want of truth in me. And, if it had