Thy presence is not so imperatively needed." He shook his head with a faint smile.

"I must go, love, for I have no excuse to stay away.

I wish it were any other night, indeed, for I would so gladly remain with thee; but the very wish is folly.

I never shrunk from the call of duty before, and cannot imagine what has come over me to-night; but I would sacrifice much for permission to stay within.

Do not look so alarmed, love, the fresh air will remove this vague oppression, and give me back myself." "Fresh air there is none," replied his young wife, "the stillness is actually awful--not a leaf moves, nor a breeze stirs.