In the garden of earthly existence, some are ordained to bloom as human plantae tristes, shedding their delicate aroma like the “Pretty-by-nights”, only when the glory of the day is done, and twilight shadows coax open their pure hearts.

To-night she seemed cradled in the arms of peace, soothed by an unfaltering trust that whispered: 

    “Would I could wish my wishes all to rest;
     And know to wish the wish, that were the best.”

While her lips moved in a prayer for Bertie, she fell asleep; like a child at ease, after long paroxysms of pain.  When she awoke, the lilacs were swinging their purple thuribles filled with dew, in honor of the new day; a silvery mist, tinged here and there with the pale pink hue of an almond blossom, wavered and curled over the quiet lake, and a robin red-breast, winging his way from the orange and jasmine boughs of the far sweet South, rested on the ivied wall, and poured out his happy heart in a salutatory to the rising sun.

CHAPTER XXXII.

“I fear, my sister, that you have made a great mistake in refusing an offer of marriage, which almost any woman might be proud to accept.”

Sister Ruth closed her writing desk, and looked at Beryl over her spectacles.

“Why should you infer that any such proposal has been made to me?”

“Simply because I know all that has occurred, and my cousin writes me that you decline to marry him.  If you had intended to remain here and identify yourself with this institution, I could better understand your motives in rejecting a man who offers you wealth, good looks, a stainless reputation, an honored name, and the best possible social position.”

“All of which tempt me in no degree.  Mr. Brompton is doubtless everything you consider him; lives in a brown stone palace, is an influential and respected citizen, but comparatively, we are strangers.  He bought my pictures, took a fleeting fancy to my face, and to my great surprise, indulged in a romantic whim.  What does he comprehend of my past?  How little he understands the barrier that shuts me out from the lot of most women.”

“He is fully acquainted with every detail of your life that has been confided to me, or discovered by the public; and he has studied and admired you ever since you came to dwell among us.  In view of your very peculiar history, you must admit that his affection is certainly strong.  If you married him, your past would be effectually blotted out.”

“I have no desire to blot it out, and though misfortune overshadowed my name, it is the untarnished legacy my father left me, and I hold it very sacred; wrap it as a mantle about me.  When suspicion of any form of disgrace falls upon a woman, it is as though some delicate flower had been thrust too close to a scorching fire; and no matter how quickly or how far removed, no matter how heavy the dews that