Chapter 64225126

? BRIDE'S PROMISE. ? ? : — By the Author of ' Pesklope,' &c. Chapter IV. — (Continued). ' ' Forg«t you ?' he echoed. 'Do people forget so easily, or did you measure my feelings by your own? Nay,' he added gently, seeing the reproach in -'her /eyes, ' I did not mean it. My disappointment makes me say bitter thinps ; and, when I think of what is parting us tor ever, it almost drives me mad.' ' I wish I could bear this trouble for you, Jack ;' and Bride raised her tearful eyes sadly to him. ' But you mast not think of me,' she continued, ' or let this disappointment spoil your life. You are a man, and the world is all before you yet. We must never see each other ; but, Jack, I shall hear of you, and some day be' proud of my soldier-hero. It has all been a mis take ; we must however make the best of it now.' Bride tride to smile, but failed. Jack's face nerer changed from its expression of gloomy sorrow. At last he rose to go. 'Bride, tell me with your own lips that you love me.'* ' Youknow I do, Jack,' was all she said, very sadly and earnestly. He stooped and pressed his first and last kiss on the pale 'sweet face that'he was never to see again, held her close to his heart for a moment, and then was gone, driving down the avenue, out at the great gates of Haughton, and. away; while Bride, with a sorrow beyond tears, sat mute and motionless, her face hidden in i her hands, wishing, as those in the first moments of a great trouble are wont to wish, that she might die, for, oh, life was very long, and he was gone for ever ! -