We'll go back and make it all right, Cardo." And in less than a month from this time, a very bright and cheerful party went on board the fast sailing steamer _Wellingtonia_.

Mr.and Mrs.Wynne especially were full of life and spirits.
Dr.Belton went on board with them, and when the last good-byes were said, he declared that Cardo's leaving would cause a great blank in his life, as not only had he been greatly interested in the young man as "a case," but he had also grown much attached to him as a friend.
The bell rang, the gangway was raised, and the _Wellingtonia_ moved from the side of the quay; and when at last they had fairly bid good-bye to Australia, they turned to look at each other, and to realise that another leaf in the book of life had been turned over.
Cardo was full of the brightest hopes, but shaded by anxiety, for he knew now that two whole years had passed away since he bade good-bye to Valmai on the quay at Fordsea.

What had been her fate since then?
How had she borne his long and unexplained absence and silence?
And as he paced up and down the deck he was full of troubled thought, as well as of bright hopes and anticipations.
"She must think me dead, but she will soon hear; in another week she will receive my letter, and, oh! I will make up to her in the future for all she may have suffered.

Valmai, my darling! I am coming back to you, to kiss away your tears, and to shield you from every trouble in the future!".