But to-night I will send you back the little clock which unites our initials.

Destroy it if you will, but if some sentiment bids you keep it, let it be this one and no other: 'I recall Ermentrude only that I may be faithful to Lucie.'" With a low cry his head fell upon his breast in extreme self-abasement, then he slowly lifted his eyes and seeing in her face a full knowledge of his sin, murmured in overwhelming shame and contrition: "You know me for the wretch I am.

I have the ring; it fell from your hand into mine one day while you lay asleep.

I do not ask for forgiveness, but this I promise you, Ermentrude:--if the little clock comes back, I will make a place in it for this ring, and neither clock nor ring shall leave me again while I live." Instinctively her hands went out to him, then they fell back on her breast.
"God will hold you to that promise," she said; and melted away from his sight in the mist which had been gradually enveloping them without being seen by either.
Thus the struggle ended for him, which for her had simply begun.
Not till she found herself in the South with her girl friend, Antoinette Duclos, did she discover that the closest bond which can unite man and woman held her in spite of her late compact with Carleton Roberts.

Should she reassert her rights and demand that the father should recognize his child?
Her generous heart said No.