I owe this visit, that my last look will fall on the face which has to me been, through life, my most sweet and sacred dream. Fairest and dearest, if I leave behind me aught of passionate feeling, and of true emotion, it is to your inspiration that I owe it."
Another visitor disturbed them; and softly, but hastily, Norbourne Courtenaye entered the room.
"Oh, Walter!" exclaimed he, "did our true friendship deserve that you should let me find you thus? I have found you, too, with such difficulty"
He broke off abruptly, for he caught sight of Ethel. There was, however, no time for indulgence of individual feeling; for, overcome by the exertion just made, Walter had sunk back in his chair fainting. In a few moments he revived, but a change had passed over his countenance—death was in every feature. Once more his large dark eyes lighted with transient lustre, as he gazed earnestly on Ethel and Norbourne, who stood before him.
"Do you remember," said he, in a voice
