"At first I was mad with the joy of loving you. But the mad joy wore itself out. Then I beheld my loved one, fair and pure, dragging through life a bleeding heart!
"The vision never left me, night or day. It tortured me and I knew no rest, even in your sweet presence.
"Then, the fire of a greater love kindled in my heart. I desired to see you glowing with perfect happiness. This desire grew stronger and stronger until it evolved a way by which it could be satisfied. That way has been accomplished. I am far, far away from the dearest girl on God's fair earth. She will never see me again, but the vision of her shall be the inspiration of my life!
"Soon you will forget the man to whom you have given new life and strength to bear all things.
"Your Frank."
Betty laid the letter down with a sense of relief at her release. Then a sudden pity for Frank brought a mist to her eyes. But she seemed to hear him say again,
"You have taught me how to live—what more could a man ask from the woman he loves?"
The words comforted her, she had not harmed him, then,
"God keep him strong and good!" she said fervently.
Slowly and thoughtfully she dressed. Then she noticed another letter which she had not seen before. It was from Ephraim. With great anxiety she read, that her mother was very ill, and she must come home directly.