But why should it fall to her ?--unless indeed Sarratt were killed in action.

If he survived the war he would make her the best of guides and husbands; she would have children; and her sweetness, her sensitiveness would stiffen under the impact of life to a serviceable toughness.

But meanwhile what could she do--poor little Ariadne!--but 'live and be lovely'-- sew and knit, and gather sphagnum moss--dreaming half her time, and no doubt crying half the night.

What dark circles already round the beautiful eyes! And how transparent were the girl's delicate hands! Miss Martin felt that she was watching a creature on whom love had been acting with a concentrated and stimulating energy, bringing the whole being suddenly and rapidly into flower.

And now, what had been only stimulus and warmth had become strain, and, sometimes, anguish, or fear.