44 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

Claire, with a sudden emotion that he could not
control. ‘And I—and I”

He checked himself, turned his face partly away
to conceal its expression, sat motionless for a mo-
ment, and then burying his face on the bosom of
his wife, sobbed for the space of nearly a minute,
overcome by a passion that he in vain struggled to
master.

Never had Edith seen her husband so moved.
No wonder that she was startled, even frightened.

‘¢Oh, Edward, dear Edward! what ails you?”
were her eager, agitated words, so soon as she could
speak. ‘What has happened? Oh, tell me, my
husband, my dear husband!’

But Claire answered not, though he was gaining
some control over his feelings.

‘Oh, Edward! won’t you speak to me? Won't
you tell me all your troubles, all your heart? Am
I not your wife, and do I not love you with a love
no words can express? Am I not your best and
closest friend? Would I not even lay down my life
for your good? Dear Edward, what has caused this
great emotion ?””

Thus urged, thus pleaded the tearful Edith. But
there was no reply, though the strong tremor which
had thrilled through the frame of Claire had sub-
sided. He was still bowed forward, with his face
hid on her bosom, while her arm was drawn
lovingly around him. So they remained for 4
time longer. At length, the young man lifted
himself up, and fixed his eyes upon her. His
countenance was pale and sad, and bore traces of
intense suffering.