him a helpless creature dependent on me. I did it, and I must atone for it. I brought him into this condition, and I must expiate what I did by helping him to bear the affliction."
"He exasperated you."
"Yes, but think what he is now, a wreck. I must tow the wreck into port. There is no help for it; I cannot leave him, I have brought this on myself, and I must bear it."
"Glory! what nonsense! You do not love me or you would at once come away with me, and leave him to his fate. He has richly deserved it."
"I not love you!" she cried. "Oh, George! how can you doubt that I do? I have suffered for you, dreamed of you, lived for you. My world without you is a world without a sun."
"Then come with me."
"I cannot do it. I have done that which binds me to Elijah. I must not leave him."
"You will not. Hark!" A burst of merry bells from West Mersea church tower swept over the water. "There is a wedding to-day yonder, and the bells are being pealed in honour of it. Did the bells peal when you were married?"
"No."
"They shall when you become mine. Not those Mersea bells, but some others where we are not known."
"It cannot, it cannot be. George! do not tempt and torture me. I must not leave Elijah. I have linked my fate to his by my own mad act, and that cannot be undone. Oh, George I if it had not been for that, I might have listened to you and followed you; for I am not, and never will be his; but now I cannot desert him in his darkness and despair. I could not be happy with you if I were to leave him."
"This is too bad of you," said the young man angrily. "You are to me an incomprehensible girl."
"Can we not live on as we are at present, true to each other, yet separated?"
"No, we cannot. It is not in nature. I will tell you what. Glory! If you do not come away with me and marry
