There was no tremor in the voice that answered quickly.

“If you refer to Mr. Dunbar, you have been led astray by the gossip in X——.  Once, there seemed a probability that our lives might be united; but long ago, we found that ardent friendship could not take the place of love; and rather more than three years have passed since we have even seen each other.”

With a startled movement Beryl dropped her companion’s fingers, and laid a hand on her shoulder.

“Oh! do not tell me that you have broken your engagement!”

The two looked steadily at each other, and while Leo’s proud face gave no hint of pain or embarrassment, Beryl’s blanched, quivered.

“How did you know that any engagement ever existed?”

“All X——­knew it.  Mrs. Singleton and Sister Serena told me.”

“I dissolved that engagement before I went to Europe.”

“Then you rashly wrecked your beautiful future.  Why did you cast him off?  He would have made you happy; he is worthy, I think, even of you.”

“Yes, he is worthy, I believe, of any woman whom he may really love; but my happiness is not in his keeping, and my future holds, I trust, something much brighter than our marriage would hate proved to me.”

“You have thrown away the substance for the shadow.  Before it is too late, reconsider your decision; give him an opportunity to reinstate himself in your affection.  You have both been so kind to me, that I have hoped you would find life long happiness in each other.”

“Dismiss that delusion.  His path and mine diverge more and more, and we no longer dwell in the same State.  He has inherited a large amount of property in Louisiana, and now lives in New Orleans; hence you can readily perceive how far apart the currents of our lives have drifted.  I rejoice in my freedom; and he, I suspect, is not inconsolable for my loss.”

Through Beryl’s whirling brain darted the recollection of a rumor, that Leighton Douglass was suitor for his cousin’s hand; and that Miss Dent favored the alliance.  Was the solution of Miss Gordon’s cold, calm indifference to be found in the presence and devotion of the Bishop?  Could he have supplanted Mr. Dunbar in her affection?  Had the world swung from its moorings?  What meant the light that broke upon her, as if the walls of heaven had fallen, and let all the glory out?

After a moment she said, solemnly: 

“I pray God to overrule all earthly things, for your welfare, for your heart’s truest happiness; and for the realization of your dearest hopes.  When my mission has been accomplished, and duty lifts her seal from my lips, I may try to see you once more, and explain the necessity that forced me to seek seclusion.”

“I believe I understand; and I trust your reward will not be delayed.  You and I can lean with confidence upon the wisdom and the mercy of the God we worship; but each must serve out His appointed time of bondage in the Egypt of suffering, in the famine of the desert; and must drink at Marah, before the blessing of the manna, the grapes of Eshcol, the roses of Sharon.  If ever you should need an earthly friend, remember me; and if all other refuge fail you, my home can be always yours.”