So we lived on; I seeking a poor compensation in fashionable emulations and social triumphs; and he in grand business enterprises--castles in the air perhaps.

Living thus, we have come to this point in our journey; and now the crisis has arrived!' "She paused.
"' What crisis ?' I asked.
"'He demands a separation.' Her voice choked--'a divorce--' "'On what ground ?' "'On legal ground.' She bent down, covered her face, and uttered a groan so full of mental anguish, that I almost shuddered as the sound penetrated my ears.
"'I am to remain passive,' she resumed, while he charges me before the proper court, with infidelity, and gains a divorce through failure on my part to stand forth and defend myself.

This, or a public trial of the case, at which he pledges himself to have witnesses who will prove me criminal, is my dreadful alternative.

If he gains a divorce quietly on the charge of infidelity, I am wronged and disgraced; and if successful in a public trial, through perjured witnesses, the wrong and disgrace will be more terrible.

Oh, my friend! pity and counsel me.' "'There is one,' said I, 'better able to stand your friend in a crisis like this than I am.' "'Who ?' She looked up anxiously.
"'Your father.' "A shadow fell over her face, and she answered mournfully, "'Even he is against me.