"Arthur, do not fool so badly. I'm sore you can have such things healed. How could I help you?"
"I was told," he said, looking up at her imploringly, "that only marriage with a pure woman like you could bring it back to me. Love is the only restorative for a lost soul, and you are the only thing in this whole wide world that I love!
Myra drew her horrified.
"It is impossible. Arthur," he repeated, catching her hand and endeavoring to slip on the engagement ring once more.
"I am now an 'elemental,' Arthur. Without your love, my soul must die eternally when the present body dies!"
Myra had drawn away her hand, and Arthur, with drooping head, rose, walking dejectedly toward the door. The girl watched him, her gentle breast a prey to the keenest anguish of pity. She called him.
"Arthur, put back the ring. I will try to help you? We will try together a little longer."
With a glad cry, he replaced the golden circle and kissed the flashing stone impulsively, although the girl trembled with repugnance at the caress.
"You should ask Dr. Alden's advice," she ventured.
"Never. I would ask nothing from that fellow. But I must go now, for I do not want to see him again. And I forbid your letting him come here any longer. Do not forget your pledge of confidence."  Myra."
Varney kissed the limp hand again, and then retreated toward the corridor, as Myra sank down upon the couch. He had gone! And now she looked at the baleful glitter of the solitaire upon her finger. 