quarter--where, I need not mention to you--in a way that might be
exceedingly disagreeable."

"I didn't think of that. Yes, I agree with you that we had best keep
quiet about it. I'm sorry; but it can't be helped now."

And so the matter was dismissed.

No one saw Clara Grant in company for the space of twelve months.
When she did appear, all her old friends were struck with the great
change in her appearance. As for Fisher, he had left the city some
months before, and gone off to a Southern town, where, it was said,
he was in good business.

The cause of estrangement between the lovers remained a mystery to
every one. To all questions on the subject, Clara was silent. But
that she was a sufferer every one could see.

"I wish that girl would fall in love with somebody and get married,"
Mears remarked to his friend, about two years after they had passed
off upon Clara their good joke. "Her pale, quiet, suffering face
haunts me wherever I go."

"So do I. Who could have believed that a mere joke would turn out so
seriously?"

"I wonder if he is married yet?"

"It's doubtful. He appeared to take the matter quite as hard as she
does."