So saying, she sought Florence, and asked if she were sleeping.

"No, Mary; can I do anything for you?" and she raised her head.

"Yes, Florry, come with me--I want to speak to you."

Her cousin accompanied her to the door, and standing so that the
tent intervened between them and Mr. Stewart, Mary laid her hand on
Florence's shoulder, and said:

"I have just learned, Florry, that Mr. Stewart is not married."

"Mary, Mary! why touch a chord which ever vibrates with the keenest
agony? There is no happiness for me on earth--I have known that for
long, and now I am striving to fix my thoughts, and all of hope that
remains, on heaven."

Mary linked her arm in Florence's, and gently drawing her forward,
replied:

"God has not promised heaven as the price of every earthly joy and
comfort. Can you not still hope for happiness?"

"Mary, I am parted forever from him whom I have loved so devotedly;
yet I cease to repine. I know my lot, and I will pass through life
alone, yes, alone, without a murmur."

"Not so, Florence--my own treasured Florence!"