It is discouraging, but I shall try again.

Good-night, dearest and best, and pleasant dreams--of me." He ascended to his bedroom, lamp in hand.

A fire blazed in the grate; and sitting down before it, his coat off, his slippers on, his hands in his pockets, he gazed at it with knitted brow, and whistling softly.

For half an hour he sat, still as a statue.

Then he got up, found his writing-case, and sat down to indite a letter.