I speak solemnly--not vainly.

And your soul echoes the truth of my words.

It is not yet too late!" "You should not have said this, Mr.Hendrickson!" Jessie resolutely disengaged the hand he had taken, and was clasping with almost vice-like pressure, and arose to her feet.

He did not rise, but sat looking up into her pale suffering face, with the light of hope, which for a moment had flushed his own, fast decaying.
"You should not have said this, Mr.Hendrickson!" she repeated, in a steadier voice.

"It is too late, and only makes my task the harder--my burden heavier.