The Master of Silence

night of our parting at her father's gate. Her first appearance on the stage had been, as I suspected, literally represented in the play. For years she had been permitted to accompany

ife. Rayel had told her, during my illness, the strange story of his life. She knew nothing, however, of his wonderful powers, until I had re

trait of you which we saw at th

to me here in New York. I suppose it looks a little as I did once,

ait was painted by Rayel and sold to a broker of the name of

estimated when I told her what occur

pearance in New York. He became so odious to me at length that I refused to accept any of his gifts, an

own convincing. It seemed strange to me then that just at the moment this thought was passing through my mind she asked me whom I suspected of having com

coming over him. His face wore a melancholy look which indicated too clearly that his mind was suffering under some sad oppression. He was as gentle and considerate as ever, and as tireless in his efforts to increase my comfort, but he rarely spoke

?" I asked, one evening. "Y

ords, his lips quivered, and stammering almost incoherently, he rose to his feet. Th

with emotion. "I think I have been working too hard and need exercis

question was the first li