After All;

death , and all for her ; and her anguish seemed almost more than she could bear . Sometimes in trying to cheer her mother she would involuntarily burst into tears , as the thought came suddenly upon her sensitive mind , " Who has caused , all this ? " Many and many a time did she wish that she had married Merrisslope , that her mother mi ght have been spared to her . Poor

girl , she felt the affliction doubly . Still , thoughts of Humberton forced themselves upon her mind , and mentally carried her back into the church where he had played his successful march as she totteringly entered with Merrislope . How the chords had seemed to thrill into her very being , and fill her with the utmost repugnance of her intended husband ; how she had still bravely borne up against the feeling for

her father ' s sake . She hardly wondered how it was he was there , for the consciousness of his presence caused her such agony while she was passing through the ordeal of the service . She could feel the anger and astonishment of her father , and the inquisitive wonder of the people ; it was only too painfully plain to her , and she would never forget the cruel moment when the final question was asked , and she looked up and saw the sorrowfully beseeching face of Humberton above the choir curtain , and she had desperately shrieked out "No !"

A few days ago Mrs . Phane had wished to see Humberton , who had sent her some delicious grapes during her illness . She had desired to see her daughter with him once more , and her wish was gratified . Once a day did Humberton call to inquire after Mrs . Phane , and each time he saw Olivia . It was happiness to see and be with her once more , and she felt much of her sorrow alleviated . But he never spoke of love , and they felt as if an indefina'ble mystery still enveloped them . Notwithstanding the unexplained tragedies of

their lives so mutually affecting each , they never mentioned tnein ; much as they both wished a better understanding of their relations and actions , nothing but commonplaces passed between them . Arthur would much have liked to have asked her a few questions of the most vital importance to his welfare , but he restrained his desires , deeming it best to ivait a little longer yet , much as it pained him . To see her was something ; butoh ! how he longed for more !

, He had been there that morning , and had gome away with a sad heart . Olivia was still thinking of him , but with strangely conflicting emotions . Her mother also occupied much of her thoughts . She had just given her another long pitiful kiss , aud come away to look after some little delicacy , with a strangle weight at her heart .

Meanwhile the sun sank lower and lower , and the orange li ght melted away into the twilight . Colder and colder grew its beams , and the twilight was quickly fading into darkness . Poor Mrs . Phane stretched out her thin hand , and called Dolly to kiss her , in a small weak voice . " God bless you , my child , " she said as their lips met . " Sing me that little hymn about Jesus in heaven" and she wearilclosed her eyesexhausted

, y , with the effort of speaking . Prettily did the bonnie creature trill through the pathetic hymn with her little melodious voice , and when she had finished she said , " Mama , do you like that ? " It was Mrs . Phane ' s favourite , which she had carefully and lovingly taught to little Dolly ; but no reply came to the child ' s query ; Mrs . Phane had passed into the spirit-land of rest .

( 2 * o be continued . ) 7 2