She turned quickly, and was clasped to the heart of him she had sworn
to love alone.

"Am I dreaming?" said Florence, gazing eagerly up into the noble face
before her. He lifted his cap from his brow, and bent his head that
the light might fall full upon it. A gleam of perfect joy irradiated
her beautiful face, and, leaning her head on his shoulder, she
whispered: "Forgive me--for I doubted you."

He bent, and sealed her pardon with a long kiss.

Mary stole away to Mrs. Carlton to impart the good news; Dr. Bryant
had already communicated it. Warmly she sympathized with them in again
meeting an old friend; but Mary heeded not her words, for her eyes
were riveted on Frank's stern brow and slightly curling lip. A mist
rose before her, and catching for support at the tent, she would
have fallen, had not his strong arm encircled her; and soon she lay
motionless in her tent. He stood and looked on her a moment, then
knelt and clasped the cold hands. Mary had not swooned, though
well-nigh insensible, and a low moan of anguish escaped her lips,
colorless, and writhing with pain.

"Can I do nothing for you?"

"No, thank you; only do not tell Florry and Mr. Stewart I am ill. It
would only damp the joy of their meeting."

He left her, and met the lovers as they sought the remainder of the
party. He understood at a glance the position of affairs, and with the
sad conviction that Mary loved Mr. Stewart, and loved him in vain, he