Edward, do you know that it was my lifelong desire to reach the point towards which you are looking ?" "_No_," said Edward, with pitying interest; "I never thought of it." "Well," and Ray smiled sadly, "it is so; and I hope you may never know how hard it is to have to give up such a wish.

I cannot say that I did actually give it up entirely until very lately.

I gave up all study three years ago, and came home to regain strength! _you_ know how well I have succeeded in that." And Ray pressed his thin, wasting hand across his damp forehead.

"It is all over now, _utterly_." The hand did duty now for a moment, shading his eyes from the light.

Presently he spoke more cheerily.