Mrs.Taylor answered in the affirmative, but with such embarrassment and abrupt change of subject that it was plainly apparent she had no wish to discuss it.

Indeed, her abruptness was so marked and her show of trouble so great, she was herself disturbed by what might very easily give offense, and being of a kindly, even loving disposition, took occasion when next they met to explain that it was as a girl she had visited Switzerland, and that her experiences there had been so unfortunate that any allusion which recalled those days distressed her.

This is all that ever passed between these two on this subject, but is it not enough when we read this couplet, and mark the combined initials, and recognize them as those of Carleton Roberts and Ermentrude Taylor?
But lest you should doubt even this evidence of an old-time friendship so intimate that it has almost the look of a betrothal, I must add one more item of corroborative fact which came to me as late as last night.

In a moment of partial consciousness, while the nurse hung over her bed, Mrs.Taylor spoke her first coherent sentence since she fell into a state demanding medical assistance.

And what was that sentence?
A repetition of this couplet, gentlemen, spoken not once but over and over again, till even the nurse grew tired of listening to it.
'I love but thee, And thee will I love to eternity.'" As the last word fell from Mr.Gryce's lips, the District Attorney muttered a quick exclamation, and sat down heavily in his chair.
"No coincidence that," he cried, with forced vivacity.