sensitive mind of his friend. He regretted having uttered them and
waited only until he should leave the company with Arnest, to
express his sorrow for what he had done. But his friend did not give
him this opportunity, for he managed to retire alone, thus
expressing to Marston the fact that he was seriously offended.

Early the next morning, Marston called at the residence of his
friend, in order to make an apology for having offended him; but he
happened not to be at home. On arriving at his office, he found a
note from Arnest, couched in the most offensive terms. The language
was such as to extinguish all desire or intention to apologize.

"Henceforth we are strangers," he said, as he thrust the note aside.

An hour afterward, they met on the street, looked coldly into each
other's face, and passed without even a nod. That act sealed the
record of estrangement.

Mr. Wellford was an old gentleman who was well acquainted with both
of the young men, and esteemed them for the good qualities they
possessed. When he heard of the occurrence just related, he was much
grieved, and sought to heal the breach that had been made; but
without success. Arnest's self-esteem had been sorely wounded, and
he would not forgive what he considered a wanton outrage. Marston
felt himself deeply insulted by the note he had received, and
maintained that he would forfeit his self-respect were he to hold
any intercourse whatever with a man who could, on so small a
provocation, write such a scandalous letter. Thus the matter stood;
wounded self-esteem on one side, and insulted self-respect on the
other, not only maintaining the breach, but widening it every day.