"Did you succeed?" she asked in breathless suspense.
"Yes, my darling," said Milton proudly, "I won the first prize, and hastened home to lay the laurels at your feet."
"I am proud of you, and I rejoice in your success. Now father shall come over to us," said Marie.
"What's the news?" asked Milton. "I just disembarked from the Germania, jumped into a cab at the wharf, drove to your residence, learned that you had started for this place, followed, and once again behold your beloved face."
"Strange things have happened since you went abroad. You have heard about Ouida?"
"Yes," said Milton, "and it almost broke my heart. I owe so much to her."
"I am no longer jealous of her, and, dear Milton, if you can in any way help her I will love you more than ever, if possible."
"I need no inspiration to that end," said Milton, "my own gratitude would urge and compel me to serve her."
"You are always generous, Milton, and I appreciate you all the more for it."
"I care not what the world may say," said Milton, "but humanity needs her, and she shall no longer be buried beneath the weight of a sin for which long ago she paid the awful penalty."
"I share your opinion with all my heart," said Marie.
Just about this time Mr. Salmon, having accomplished the mission which had called him to Ouida's house, returned, and his first glance lighted upon the happy pair, who were totally oblivious to his presence. He turned down another street, with a sigh, and left them undis-
