trouble. There, I must go. I must go. I will go; if I fling myself into
the sea half way."

"And, if you do, I'll take a dose of poison; for I have thrown away the
truest heart, the sweetest, most unselfish, kindest, generous--oh! oh!
oh!"

And he began to howl.

This set Phoebe sobbing. "Don't cry, dear," she murmured through her
tears; "if you have really any love for me, come with me."

"What, leave England, and go to a desert?"

"Love can make a desert a garden."

"Phoebe, I'll do anything else. I'll swear not to leave your side. I'll
never look at any other face but yours. But I can't live in Africa."

"I know you can't. It takes a little real love to go there with a poor
girl like me. Ah, well, I'd have made you so happy. We are not poor
emigrants. I have a horse for you to ride, and guns to shoot; and me and
Dick would do all the work for you. But there are others here you can't
leave for me. Well, then, good-by, dear. In Africa, or here, I shall
always love you; and many a salt tear I shall shed for you yet, many a
one I have, as well you know. God bless you. Pray for poor Phoebe, that
goes against her will to Africa, and leaves her heart with thee."

This was too much even for the selfish Reginald. He kneeled at her
knees, and took her hand, and kissed it, and actually shed a tear or two