Toward morning, the merry carousal broke up,
and Ralph was conducted in triumph to his
home.


III.


Two days later, Ralph again knocked on
Bertha's door. He looked paler than usual,
almost haggard; his immaculate linen was a little
crumpled, and he carried no cane; his lips were
tightly compressed, and his face wore an air of
desperate resolution.

"It is done," he said, as he seated himself
opposite her. "I am going."

"Going!" cried she, startled at his unusual
appearance. "How, where?"

"To America. I sail to-night. I have followed
your advice, you see. I have cut off the
last bridge behind me."

"But, Ralph," she exclaimed, in a voice of
alarm. "Something dreadful must have happened.
Tell me quick; I must know it."

"No; nothing dreadful," muttered he, smiling