as he might, the law would take its course all the same.

While his heart was torn in this manner, Colonel Le Noir was urging
the departure of his ward. And Clara came to her lover's side and
said, gravely and sweetly:

"The law, you see, has decided against us, dear Traverse! Let us
bend gracefully to a decree that we cannot annul! It cannot, at
least, alter our sacred relations; nor can anything on earth shake
our steadfast faith in each other; let us take comfort in that, and
in the thought that the years will surely roll round at length and
bring the time that shall reunite us."

"Oh, my angel-girl! My angel-girl! Your patient heroism puts me to
the blush, for my heart is crushed in my bosom and my firmness quite
gone!" said Traverse, in a broken voice.

"You will gain firmness, dear Traverse. 'Patient!' I patient! You
should have heard me last night! I was so impatient that Doctor
Williams had to lecture me. But it would be strange if one did not
learn something by suffering. I have been trying all night and day
to school my heart to submission, and I hope I have succeeded,
Traverse. Bless me and bid me good-by."

"The Lord forever bless and keep you, my own dear angel, Clara!"
burst from the lips of Traverse. "The Lord abundantly bless you!"

"And you," said Clara.

"Good-by!--good-by!"