"You know you can trust me, and I'll write your husband a letter which will make things clear." Helen shook her head wearily.

"You will not understand.

Nothing can be done; it is as fixed as--death.

We can neither of us alter it and be ourselves.

Oh, I have tried and tried to see some way out of it, until it seems as if my soul were tired." "I did not intend to be severe, my child," the rector said, with remorseful gentleness, "but in one way it is a more serious thing than you realize.