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"Eloise!" I exclaimed in astonishment "Eloise--Mademoiselle Lafrénière--can this indeed be you? Have you sent for me?"

It seemed for that one molad confidence in her bri all htless instant did she yield to what appeared real joy at my presence

"Yes, dear friend, it is Eloise," she answered, gazing anxiously into h fearful lest I ht tear them ahen she spoke those hard words which must follow "Yet surely you know, Geoffrey Benteen, that I aer?"

It see, so intense was the pain which overswept it Yet I held to the soft hands, for there was such a pitiful look of suffering upon her upturned face as to steady me

"No, I knew it not," I answered brokenly "I--I have been buried in the forest all these years since we parted, where few rumors of the town have reached reat sorrow Was it because of this--in search of help, in need, perchance--that you have sent for me?"

She bowed her head; a tear fell upon listened there

"Yes, Geoffrey"

The words were scarcely then with return of confidence, her dark eyes anxiously searching my face

"I sent for you, Geoffrey, because of deep trouble; because I a only the père I knoell your faithfulness In spite of the wrong, thebetween us--and for it I take all the blame--I have ever trusted in your word, your honor; and nohen I can turn nowhere else for earthly aid, the good God has guided you back to New Orleans Geoffrey Benteen, do not gaze at me so! It breaks my heart to see that look in your eyes; but, my friend, my dearest friend, do you still recall what you said to ht you went away?"

Did I remember! God knew I did; ay! each word of that interview had been burned into ain in the silence ofin all those years had for one moment obliterated her face or speech from memory

"I remember, Eloise," I answered more calmly "The words you mean were: 'If ever you have need of one on whom you may rely for any service, however desperate (and in New Orleans such necessity ladly yield his very life to serve you, then, wherever he irl, has that moment come?"