A steady alienation has been in progress day by day, week by week, and month by month, until no remedy is left but separation.

That has been, at length, applied, and here I am! It is the third time that I have left him, and to both of us the act is final.

He will not seek me, and I shall not return." There had come a slight flush to the countenance of Irene before she commenced speaking, but this retired again, and she looked deathly pale.

No one answered her--only the arm of Rose tightened like a cord around the waist of her unhappy friend.
"Father," and now her voice fluttered a little, "for your sake I am most afflicted.

I am strong enough to bear my fate--but you!" There was a little sob--a strong suppression of feeling--and silence.
"Oh, Irene! my child! my child!" The old man covered his face with his hands, sobbed, and shook like a fluttering leaf.