THE PARTING At last Madge was alone.

Her sister had suggested everything she could think of, meanwhile bewailing the young girl's extreme imprudence.
Madge entreated for quiet and rest, and at last was left alone.

Hour after hour she lay with wide, fixed gaze.

Her mind and imagination did not partake of her physical weakness, and now they were abnormally active.

As the bewilderment from the shock of her abrupt awakening passed, the truth hourly grew clearer.