It must be a mistake! Is he blind? The mansion, which was a moment
before ablaze, is now all dark! But the bride still stands under the
lamp on the portico, statuesque as Zenobia or Medea. The statue grasps
a paper. Like Galatea, she speaks:

"Is that you, George?"

[Illustration: But the bride still stands under the lamp on the
portico, statuesque as Zenobia or Medea.]

"I have come, my love. What has happened?"

"Listen!" she commands, and reads by the portico light:


Thursday Afternoon, Nov. 30.

ESTHER, MY WIFE AND WIDOW:

It is absolutely necessary that you should come at once to the drug
store formerly kept by Dr. Floddin, at 803 State street.

Bring an escort.

This step must be taken in your own interest--certainly not in the
interest of your husband.

DAVID LOCKWIN.