occur now with comparative rarity; yet they do occur, and cast a cloud over the matrimonial prospects of all the kindred of the sufferer. You know how it is with yourself, and can judge what is right for you to do."
"I suppose, then, I must seek an explanation with Hulmar as soon as possible," said I, in a dreary tone. I had been living all day in a sort of fool's paradise, and now was brought face to face with the stubborn fact that I could give no such account of my way of viewing things as would be likely to convince any father of my perfect sanity.
In some further conversation, the manner and occasion of my explanation with Hulmar were discussed. At my request, Utis promised to draw up a full account of my case, as known to him.
"I will plead with my friend not to decide too hastily," said Utis, regarding me with pitying eyes; "but I earnestly advise you to rather come to a verbal explanation, and reserve my letter to deliver after, as yon see fit."
After some further conversation, he went away, leaving me in no enviable frame of mind. When, after some vain attempts, I did succeed in falling asleep, my slumber was but another form of mental distress. The ever-recurring theme of my dreams was Reva and her father, to whom some dreadful secret from my past life had been revealed. He was regarding me with looks of undisguised indignation; she, with a shrinking compassion almost harder to bear.
Awaking from one of these distressing dreams, I resolved to banish, by reading, the harassing thoughts that would obtrude themselves. A slight pressure on the
