"Stay, Minny; can you learn to think of me kindly; and, in coming days, to witness my affection for another unshrinkingly?"
"I have already learned to do so."
"And you will not let these gloomy visions of the past rise up between you and the far-off stars?"
"Never again, never again."
He pressed the trembling hand he held between his own, and touched it to his lips.
It was drawn quickly from him; a stifled sob fell upon his ear, and he stood alone.
Slowly he turned his steps homewards, and with every echo of his solitary footfall, with every sob of the passing night-wind, came back upon his troubled heart, with thrilling sadness, Minny's last mournful words, "Never again, never again!"
Again he reached the store, and the lock, obedient to the ponderous key, turned noiselessly, and Wilkins entered. It was dark and gloomy, and a chill passed over him as he fastened the door, and groped his way along between the deserted counters. The scene through which he had just passed had called up bitter and unpleasant memories, and there came over him a sense of lonely desolation, such as he could not endure to experience. He stopped a moment as he reached the high desk, and stood there, silent and thoughtful.
"I will go to him," he muttered; "there is something holy in his presence, which will make me happier."