In no other way but just this do I believe he could have been cured of his infatuation." Owing to the precarious condition of Miss Ludington's health, Paul and Ida would not consent to leave home for any bridal trip.
It was but a week after the wedding that, on going into Miss Ludington's room as usual the first thing in the morning, Ida found her dead.

She must have expired very quietly, if not, indeed, in her sleep, for her room adjoined that of the bridal couple, and she could have summoned Ida with the touch of a bell.

Her features were relaxed in a smile of joyous recognition.
* * * * * * Paul took his wife to Europe directly after the funeral.

One night, during their absence, a fire, probably set by tramps, broke out in one of the empty houses of the village, and, the wind being high and no help near, all the buildings on the place, including the homestead, were completely destroyed.

The latter being shut up, nothing even of the furniture could be saved, and the entire contents, including the picture in the sitting-room, were consumed.