Truth wound her arm affectionately around her little friend, and related in details her sad story.

Faith listened intently, then replied with confidence: " 'At the portals of every pure woman's soul stands a guardian angel.' How wonderfully you have been guided and protected, and I know that God will lead you from your sorrow, to that plane of life where you belong." I guess my time is up. I promised your mother and the nurse to remain with you a few moments. My visit has not harmed you, has it Truth?"

"Indeed not, dear one; I feel so much better since I told you all; come again tomorrow, won't you?"

"I will be happy to do so." With this the two friends kissed each other good-bye and Faith found her way out of the room.

After the nurse had served Truth with some dainty refreshments, she again fell into a peaceful sleep that continued through the day and succeeding night.

Vallero arrived promptly at three o'clock. Mrs. Ralston received him with dignified reserve, which he at once detected. Upon being told that the long sleep from which Truth had not yet been awakened was favorable to her speedy recovery, he asked with ill-concealed resentment:

"What course do you suggest in case Truth refuses to return to me?"

"That question, Clarence, I have been considering most carefully. Before witnessing the distressing scene of last night I would have exerted my utmost influence to have her return to you, and deem myself justified in persuading her to do so. Now, however, I'm obliged to confess that there is more in what Truth declares than I care to admit.

"Nonsense, I tell you it's all tommy-rot; Bourdalone has put that in Truth's head; he's crazy on this hypnotic subject."

"But Clarence, listen: Truth came to me through the stormy night, directly from you. She had not seen her minister since the ceremony."

"She was with him the night before and was all right until then; I tell you he's the real hypnotist; I thought you had better judgment than to let him impose upon you also."

"Clarence;" protested Mrs. Ralston, "it was what I saw with my own eyes that convinced me of Truth's statement. When she came home last night she vowed never to return to you. Yet, when you spoke a few persuasive words to her she was ready to come into your outstretched arms. I'm not blind, Clarence. Her sudden change of attitude is unnatural - not at all like Truth. Then her terrible fear of you when she came to herself - how do you account for that?"

"She was hysterical; the electrical shock unbalanced her mind and she did not realize what she was doing."

"That explanation may satisfy you but I cannot accept it. All I can say is this: If Truth cannot be reconciled I shall not use any undue influence to persuade her; she must decide for herself."

"Pity you didn't let her do so before, then I would not be the laughing stock of the whole town if she refuses to return to me."

"You will gain nothing by your unmanly taunts, Clarence. I'm sure both Truth and myself are anxious to avoid scandal and will act with the utmost discretion. But because I was unwise in my judgment once is no reason for repeating my mistake."

"Then if the whole thing is to be left to Truth, I presume that I'll be permitted to have an interview with her as soon as she recovers sufficiently. This thing has got to be settled with her at once;

I'll do the right thing by her if she will meet me half way. I'm no tight-wad and am able to give you both greater advantages than you have ever enjoyed before."

"The price you offer, Clarence, is too great; we have already suffered the penalty. All I can promise now is to offer no opposition to an interview between you and Truth and will be glad, indeed, if she will consent to see you as soon as possible."

With this Vallero was obliged to be content. He took his leave with a crest fallen-manner and the promise that he would call again the next day.

• • • •

Truth felt a gentle pressure upon her brow which awakened her from another long, restful sleep - she opened her eyes, stretched her arms and her whole body, then became conscious of some one looking at her with smiling face.

"Good morning, nurse; I must have slept ever so long; I feel so rested and refreshed. What time is it?"

"Nine o'clock; time for the doctor to come. He will be delighted to find you so much improved."

"Yes, I'm so much better." She breathed in the sunlit air with invigorating new life and strength. "I feel well enough to get up and eat my breakfast immediately."

"Is that so?" said Dr. Graham laughingly, as he entered the room. "So you are going to cheat me out of a good long run of fever. Nice way to treat your old doctor. Here I have been counting on running up a big fat fee and you have stolen a march on me and slept the whole thing off."

Truth laughed heartily. "May I get up and dress today; I feel this very minute able to do so?"

"People that are getting well too fast must not expect to have everything their own way. Haven't I got to make a living? No, my dear girl, you remain where you are today, rest quietly, eat and don't talk too much; if you do not disobey orders today we will see what we can do for you tomorrow." With a few words to the nurse and a pleasant "good morning" to the patient, Dr. Graham left the sick-room.

Mrs. Ralston met him in the hall, where they remained in serious conversation for nearly an hour. When he arose to go he said in a kind, fatherly way:

"I feel as much interested in your daughter as if she were my own child and I trust to her womanly instinct that she will do only that which is right."

With suppressed emotion Mrs. Ralston agreed with him saying, "I trust her also."

All day Truth lay thinking and sleeping alternately. At its close she watched the twilight deepen as with increasing hope and courage, the healing impulse continued with each hour. With her returning strength the world brightened with a feeling of joy and health which those who have never been ill cannot realize. Then came the desire to take part in life's battle, to conquer its difficulties with a brave heart.