"Good-by," her voice said, regretfully, then added: "Oh! Captain Clendenon, find him for me, if you can! Oh, try your best!"
"I pledge you my word I will," he answered, "but promise me that you will have faith in my endeavor; that you will live in hope."
"Oh! I cannot, I cannot! I feel that I can never hope again!" she cried, but with a brightening glance.
"But you will," he answered, cheerily. "Health, and hope, and love will all come back to you in time. 'Hope springs eternal in the human breast.' God bless you, and good-by."
Their hands met a moment in a strong, friendly clasp; her violet orbs dusk and dewy with feeling; her voice scarce audible as it quivered:
"Good-by!"
[CHAPTER XVI.]
"SMILING AT GRIEF."