it were merely a significant exclamation of belief. "You wouldn't stand
upon the chances of change though," resumed Bulchester, "I know you well
enough. But, according to you, there's the insuperable obstacle."

Edmonson laughed contemptuously.

"Insuperable?" he answered. "Stray shots have taken off more superfluous
kings and men than the world knows of. And just now, with this prospect
of war before the country, something is sure to happen,--to happen,
Bulchester; luck has a passion for me, and after all her caprices, she
is coming to--."

Elizabeth lost the rest of the sentence. She was already on her way home
by the other road, treading softly while on the beach, lest the pebbles
should betray her footsteps. When she was well out of hearing she
stopped a moment to take breath. She stood looking out upon the expanse
of ocean before her as if her sight could reach to the unknown world
beyond it.

"Last night," she said, "I thought the worst had come to me. I was
wrong."

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

[Footnote 2: Copyright, 1884, by Frances C. Sparhawk.]

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