Had he made any secret ?--had he not shown the picture of the woman to whom he was engaged, and with a blush,--her letters, hard, eager, and cruel ?--The days went on and on, happier and closer, with more kindness, more confidence, and more pity.

At last one morning in October came, when Francis went back to college, and the poor girl felt that her tender heart was gone with him.
Frank too wakened up from the delightful midsummer dream to the horrible reality of his own pain.

He gnashed and tore at the chain which bound him.

He was frantic to break it and be free.

Should he confess ?--give his savings to the woman to whom he was bound, and beg his release ?--there was time yet--he temporised.