Year: 1878




pain If she could but avoid seeing the
face she loved so madly change as her own
had done! How could she tell Geoffrey?
Lha question kept ringing again and again
IN her ears, but no answer came.


She heard the gate open; she heard his
quick, firm step como up the garden walk
lie opened the front door for himself took
oil his bat and coat, and entered the room,
closing the door behind him; but still she
had formed no notion Of how to break the
news gently to Lun So turned and faced
him-saw his glowing, happy face coming
toward her-saw it change at the sight of
hers, end the Light so out from his dark
eyes as be foresaw the coming blow but no
words came to her white lips.


He took her in lis arms, and felt her
trembling from head to foot. t


"ioibyl, spsall" !" he exclaimed. "Tell me,
for Heaven $ sake, what is lie matter? Has
anything happened to Cecil ?" ....


mo, it is not that. Bnt it was all
trick John is not dead He has been here
to-nightp' i"


A short, sharp exclamation broke from
him, his arms fell to his side, and his face
turned ashy white He sat down on the
nearest chair, with deep groan, pressing
his hands to his head as if he feared his
brain would burst. v -.


'It is false" he said sharply his voice
trembling. lie is dead! Some scoundrel
has been imposing upon your


'lt would not be possible. 1t was his
brother that was killed, and he changed the
name to escape detection for something he
Las done. Oh, Geohrey, Geofrey, how
shall bear it?" "


And burying her face in her hands, she
sobbcd as ii her heart would break.


He was by her side in moment his arms
round her, and her head on his shoulder.


"IJush, hush, my darlpg You will
up! He is not your husband in the sight of
Heaven or man. We will be married, and
never think Of this CHASTITY dream. sibyl,
do not refuse. You cannot send me away
again. 1 know il will drive me mad. Oh,
my darling, have pity on me and yourself,
and let us bury this horrible secret Surely
my love will make up to you for any pain
the recollection Of the past may give you. l
have the license in my pocket. We will be
married tomorrow, and so away from here
and from England, and begin new life that
shall blot out all memories Of past misery.


But Sibyl had fought out her fight and
was strong.


"It cannot be, Geofrey-do not tempt
me! That was my first thought, as it is
yours but Cecil has saved me from myself.
1t was too perfect happiness for this world
You must work and forget me, and shall
90 away-far away from here-and wander
about with Cecil, for feel can never set
tie any more. Oh it has been a cruel, cruel
trick 1t was easier to bear before now l
feel as if it will kill me to give you up for
ever"


81 will not be given up!" he said, kissing
her again and again. "Where you go, L
shall 90. If you will not be married. I can
not help it; brt I shall not leave you, and
the world will talk It is of no use refusing,
slbyl. am mad, but I will not give you
up. will Tot be parted from you again for
tie sake Of mythical husband. 1t will be
no sin in the sight of Heaven"


Il vas in vain she argued and imrlored.
lie was as firm as a rock. She was his and
his only. Her first husband was dead to
the world and to her, and he--Geottrey~-
would not leave her.


Suddenly Sibyl yielded. Every vestige Of
color left her face, even to her lips, as she





so be it," she soid quietly. "Gut re-
member for your life that this is your doing,
md that you forced me to agree to It,:
Come here tomorrow at eleven O'Clock, and
bring the license with you, But, oh, Geo!-
FREY, be gentle with me, be loving to me al
ways Remember You left me only one
course 10 pursue, and it is for your sake t!iAt
l am going to take this step"


There was a depth Of lDutterabe sadness
in her beautiful eyes, and her mouth qniy-
cred with intense pain as she spoke bat ne
would not see it. "a
NV darling, am I likely to forget it?
Sibyl, you do not know the extent OF my
love. Never, by word or deed, will l will
ingly pain you; and be sure you will never
regret your decision. Get your things
packed and we will go away directly we are
married, and never come near this hateful
place again. know this is costing you an
effort now, dear one, but you will be glad
afterwards. You will see that am right,
and that in the l2lt Of Heaven and earth
cou arc really free from that fellow. On
Sibyl, you have made lne SO happy
With cry of pain, she pat her hand on
his mouth. ,.
oh, Geoffrey think kindly of me always,
md remember I did it for your sake more
than myown! Gonow leave me, and 40 not
ha i here before eleven, as haveso much to DO.
Goodbye Geofffey kiss ne and go away"
She ciung to him tightly for q few mo-
monts, trembling violently, and then, rails,
inc her face, looked at him--oh, SO sadly
md 20 kissed him again and agnin-long,
lingering kisses, that made his heart bound


"Dring Sir Henry and Lady Temple WITH
you, and come to this house DO not W"l'
for me at the church. Come here Gooo-
bye once more" OIL u,y,
"Good-bye, my own brave sibyl' he
whispered fondly. ,


II am glad you called me that . she re- e.