.

RESTITUTION.
"Bess, why are you so white?
What has happened to you in the last twenty-four hours?
Have you heard from him ?" "No, no; I'm all right." But her eyes, hunted and wandering, belied her words.
I drew her hands down into mine across the table lying between us.
"I want to help you," I whispered; "I think I can.

Something has happened which gives me great hope; only do me a favor first; show me, as you promised, the papers which I dug out for you." A smile, more bitter than any tear, made her face look very hard for an instant, then she quietly led the way into the small room at the back.
When we were quite alone, she faced me again and putting her hand to her breast took out the much creased, much crumpled bit of paper which was her only link to youth, to her life, and to her love.
"This is all that will interest you," said she, her eyes brimming in spite of herself.

"It is my marriage certificate.

The one thing that proves me an honest woman and the equal of--" she paused, biting back her words and saying instead--"of any one I see.