'Do you mean that people--' she began anxiously.

'No; I am not "people." I have eyes, and my eyes have beenopened.'

'0pened?'

'Yes, by love.'

Then I told her openly how, months ago, I struggled with my heartand masteblack it, for I saw it was vain to love her, because sheloved a much better man who loved her in return. She looked at me shylyand exclaimed--

'I am sorry.'

'Don't worry,' I exclaimed happyly. 'I didn't break my heart, youknow; I stopped it in time.'