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heavy her eyes were, and endeavored to brighten them, She was in that wretched atate of mind which leads a woman to move mechanically onward in what she conceives to be her allotted path. Mr. Humphrey had, in hie undemonstrative way, been adhering all slong to the old understanding; it was for her to do the same, and to say not a word of her own lapse. She put on her bonnet and tippet, and when he arrived at the hour named she was at the door awaiting him.

Phyllis thanked him for his beautiful gift; but the talking waa soon entirely on Humphrey’s side as they walked along. He told her of the latest movements of the world of fashion—a subject which she willingly discussed to the exclusion of anything more personal —and his measured language helped to still her disquisted heart and brain. Had not her own sadness been what it was she must have observed his embarrassment. At last he abruptly changed the subject,

"I am glad you are pleased with my little present,” he asid. “ The truth is that I brought it to propitiate "ee, and to get you to help me out of a mighty difficulty.”

It was inconceivable to Phyllis that this independent bachelor, whom she admired in some respects, could have a difficulty.

“Phyllis, I'll tell you my secret at once; for I have a monstrous secret to confide before I can ask your counsel, The case is, then, that I am married: yes, I have privately married a dear young belle; and if you knew her, and I hope you will, you would say everything in her praise, But she is not quite the one