heart, my life, my all. I would give my life for you willingly,
gladly--every beat of my heart is for you. You don't know what you
have become to me. My every thought is yours, and has been ever
since that night at the Arlingtons'. My love is so deep and strong,
it rules my whole life, my every action from morning to night. It is
the very breath and heart of my life--unchangeable. I could not
alter my love any more than I could stop my heart from beating. How
could you, could you suggest such a thing! I know that you really
love me just as much as I love you, or I should not open my heart
like this. I should be too proud to give myself away. But I feel
that pride is out of place when any mistake or misunderstanding may
mean lifelong misery to both of us. I would only say good-bye if I
thought your love had changed or grown less. But I know that it has
not. O my darling, if you only knew what terrible agony the very
thought of parting is, you would never have let such an idea even for
an instant, on any pretext, enter your mind. The very possibility is
too awful to think of. When I read your letter just now up in my
room, I nearly fainted. I can't write. O Frank, don't take my love
away from me. I can't bear it. Oh no, it is my everything. If I
could only see you now, I know that you would kiss these heart-
burning tears away. I feel so lonely and tired. I cannot follow all
your letter. I only know that you talked of parting, and that I am
weary and miserable.

MAUDE.

(COPY OF TELEGRAM)
From Frank Crosse, to Miss Maude Selby,
The Laurels, St. Albans
Coming up eight-fifteen, arrive midnight.