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and, with a faint smile, presented the hyacinths, which | peared to be gradually becoming more uniformly gay she had picked, to aunt Nancy and Mrs. Ducachet. and cheerful. Her education had been conducted enSoon after this we all returned into the house. During tirely at home-before Edward's death under private the rest of the evening Alice conversed very little, and teachers, and, since then, under the eye of her father, appeared sad. I was not sorry when those who had who, in the midst of constantly pressing business, had come from Larksborough rose to take leave; or to find always found time to direct his daughter's studies— myself at length quietly seated in my own chamber, more than direction she had never needed. In fact, her by an open window, from which the tall trees on Briar superior knowledge of books sometimes put me to the Hill were plainly visible, in the clear moonlight, and blush, though I had the advantage in point of acquaintleft to my own reflections. ance with the world. We frequently read together, In my conversation with Alice Richmond, I had spo- and our intercourse often recalled to me my aunt's deken just as the feeling of the moment prompted; but I scription of the happy companionship of Alice and Edhad knowledge enough of the world to see, in looking ward. back over what had passed, that I had gained a great Autumn came, but brought no change in our occupaadvantage-nearly all, in fact, that the most ardent tions or amusements. One afternoon, early in Septemlover could have hoped to gain in so short a time.ber, we were rambling together over the fields and Friendship, between two persons of different sexes, woods, between the house and the lake, Alice appeared and of suitable age and condition, is certainly the high|rather sad, and little was said by either as we walked road to love. Some have doubted whether friendship along, she choosing the way. At length we came upon ean even exist at all under such circumstances. I think the path, leading through the wood before mentioned, it may; but only in the state of a chrysalis; and no to the grave yard, and as she turned into it, the suspione can ever tell at what moment a warm breath may cion first crossed my mind, that she was taking me to blow over it, giving it strength to burst its shell, and Edward's grave. Before, she had always avoided it in expanding its wings to flutter in the sunshine. our walks, though I knew that she still visited it as frequently as ever, alone. Her step was now more hurried than usual, as if she feared that her purpose might be defeated, and I followed at her side in silence. On reaching the church yard she led the way along the narrow path; and, coming to the grave, kneeled down, without saying a word, beside the marble slab, and gazed intently for several minutes upon the name: then burying her face in her hands, and resting them upon the railing which surrounded the marble, burst into tears. I kneeled down by her, and waited the abatement of this paroxysm of feeling. At length she looked up, and though the sight of me, in that position, seemed to affect her, soon became more composed.

While the company remained at Briar Hill I was a daily visitor, and saw Alice so often that it did not seem probable that my aunt's departure would much disturb our intercourse. All of the party took a walk or drive every clear day, and an invitation to me was never omitted. Sometimes we made pleasure excursions upon the lake: in short, near a month glided away most agreeably, and no one hailed the approach of the day fixed for taking leave with satisfaction. It came, however, and Alice stood by me on the front porch as my aunt's carriage drove off, about an hour after the Ducachets had left the door.

"A month has gone like a day, Alice. It has been most delightfully spent, but I hope the future will give me no reason to regret the past. Sixteen months more and I shall have finished my studies; and then-" hesitated.

"And then, what?"

I

"I don't know, Alice. But even brothers and sisters must part. I count the months and even the days that I shall remain in your father's office, with a jealous care, and they seem to glide away almost imperceptibly. Happily enough, indeed, for memory, but not for hope."

"I feared that it would be so, Henry. I have never yet been able to restrain my grief, when kneeling beside this grave: why did I hope to do it now? However, it is past, and I am glad that you are here. You see what feelings the place awakens. Think you that this heart can ever be true to any, if false to him that sleeps? Here, again, I warn you, that I can never be to you but as a sister. Think of me only as such. Now leave me, Henry: I often go home alone from this spot."

I rose from my knees and walked silently away. On She did not speak, and, after a few moments, I reaching the edge of the wood, I looked back, and saw added, Alice gazing after me with a sorrowful eye. I hurried "Well, I must not lose the present in gloomy fore-on, but had gone only a few steps farther, when Harry bodings. I hope we need not give up our rambles, Bowne suddenly appeared in the path before me. I because our friends have gone. Will you walk this af-perceived, at once, from the expression of his face, that he had witnessed the scene at the grave.

ternoon?"

Yes; at half past five o'clock, if you have nothing else to do then."

"At half past five. Do not forget."

"Miss Alice! Where is Miss Richmond?" said he. "I left her at the grave. How did you know that she had been with me?"

"How did I know? Do I not see her with you every day; and she talks to you, and smiles, and you call her Alice. Oh! I am afraid sometimes my head will burst! You have deceived me-you love Alice!"

During the rest of the summer I continued to ride on horseback, or walk with Alice almost daily. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond seemed to favor our intimacy; and, as I knew that they had seen too much of the world to be deceived by mere names, I felt sure of their approba- I tried to pacify the poor fellow, and he became more tion, if Alice should ever consent to look at me in a still calm. Sinking into a mournful silence, he walked more endearing character, than that of a friend or bro-along by my side for some time, and then left me to ther. She was all confidence and affection, and ap- pursue my way alone. My spirits were scarcely as

buoyant as when I had set out with Alice. Her words | evening, and would be glad to make us acquainted. at the grave still trembled on my ear, and more, per- This offer I did not choose to accept, and though mine haps, than ever previously, I desponded.

CHAPTER VI.

host's surmise, as to the stranger's object, had excited some little curiosity in my mind, I reached the office at Briar Hill, and began my day's labor at the usual time. I had been there several hours, and was sitting with my chair tilted back against the wall, thinking of Alice and Mr. Brown, and of every thing else, excepting the book that lay open on my knees, when the bell announced a visitor. I opened the door and Mr. Brown stood before me. I knew him instantly from the Captain's description. He was apparently somewhat older than myself, well dressed, and altogether of a pleasing exterior. He asked for Mr. Richmond, and I showed him into the back office. The latter looked at him, for a moment, with an inquiring eye, but just as I closed the door, addressed him in a tone of recognition. What ensued I did not hear, excepting a word that now and then fell from Mr. Richmond, in a louder voice than usual, which led me to suppose that the interview was not a very agreeable one, at least to him; and the scowl that darkened the young man's flushed counte

How time flies, when the past and the future are forgotten in the enjoyments of the present! Despondency soon vanished. There is a sunshine that beams over the world of spirit, as perpetual as that which enlightens the physical universe: sometimes clouds obscure its brightness, and sometimes the soul's perceptions are dimmed; but there are minds, like the regions blessed with skies ever cloudless, enjoying constantly its radiance-wearing a rosy hue that never fades away. If my own were at any time darkened, it was but by the passing shadow of a bird's wing, or of the light vapor that is driven before a summer-day's breath. Though the scene at the grave caused nie a few hours of disquietude, my next interview with Alice restored my wonted serenity; for I fancied that there was an increased tenderness in her looks, more than compen-nance, as he passed again through the front room, in sating for the diminished gaiety of her spirits; and as the latter again recovered their accustomed elasticity, I could not gaze upon her sunny face, and think of aught else than happiness.

about half an hour, showed plainly that its result had not been exactly what he had anticipated. A few moments afterwards Mr. Richmond came in to speak to me, and I could see that something had disturbed his wonted equanimity.

now doubly so with his manners and mental qualifications. He seemed open and warm-hearted, and conversed with ease and intelligence on every subject that presented itself, showing great natural strength of mind, an extensive acquaintance with books, and an unusual knowledge of the world. He had a ready wit, which was always refined, when he was talking with me, but sunk into broad humor, when he addressed Captain Smith, who was evidently delighted with his new guest. I conceived a strong liking for him, which he seemed to repay with interest; and soon af

One morning when I came down to breakfast, Captain Smith gave me the important information, that a I dined that day at Briar Hill, and did not return to stranger had arrived the preceding night, at a very late the inn till near evening; then the Captain introduced hour, and taken lodgings in his best spare room, say-me to Mr. Brown, and we sat down to tea together. ing that he might possibly remain some days in Larks-If I had been pleased before with his exterior, I was borough. My own chamber was the best in the house, and as I had been, for some weeks, the only guest, of course, the best spare room was the next in order of excellence to mine. This will explain the deep interest which the Captain took in the fresh arrival, and his eagerness to inform me thereof. His inn was very little frequented, and he depended for support chiefly upon the produce of a large farm in the neighborhood, which he owned, and which a tenant, who lived upon it, cultivated on shares. Indeed, his tavern-sign would probably have disappeared long before, if it had not been for the zealous interference of certain warm tem-ter tea, having first had a private parley with mine perance-men; who, seeing a wonderful sublimity-a host, he invited me to drink some wine with him; saying moral triumph, in the free swing of this tasteful, em- that he had contrived to squeeze a little out of the blematic device-one of the evil spirit's own chosen Captain, having removed his scruples by the offer of a inventions turned into an instrument of exorcism-large advance on the usual price, and the suggestion of were constantly at hand to strengthen the Captain's wavering faith, by various encouraging suggestions.

Mine host informed me that the new-comer was a person of the most gentlemanly appearance and prepossessing manners. He was travelling on horseback, and being very much fatigued with his ride, had given orders that he should not be disturbed until ten o'clock in the morning. He had made particular inquiries about Mr. Richmond and his family; and as he was quite a young man, the Captain thought it probable that he was to be a fellow-student of mine. The name which he had given was Brown-"James Brown" I found written in a blank volume lying in the bar-room, which the Captain had dignified with the title of the "Travellers' Book." The latter suggested that I should remain until Mr. Brown made his appearance, saying that he had mentioned my name to him the previous

a private room. I remarked that I seldom drank wine, but for the sake of his companionship would take a glass, and followed him into the room provided by the Captain, where we found lights and two bottles of champagne, with glasses, duly arranged upon a table in the middle of the floor.

We sat down, and drank each a glass. My friend pressed me to take more, but I declined. He seemed disappointed, and there was something, I could hardly tell what, in the expression of his face, that led me to suppose that he had some particular object, other than the mere testimony of his good feelings, in thus inviting me to drink with him. It flashed across my mind that this object was connected in some way with his visit to Mr. Richmond; and I resolved, at once, to satisfy my curiosity, trusting to my own ingenuity for the avoiding of disagreeable consequences. As if with

great reluctance, I consented to take one more glass, but, after sipping a drop, managed, while my friend was not looking, to throw the remainder out of the nearest window, which was open, as it was quite a warm evening. He began to grow more gay and talkative, as if the wine had exhilarated him; but I fancied that this elevation of spirits was affected. Feigning still greater animation, I began to laugh and rattle on immoderately, and thought I could discern a gleam of satisfaction lurking in Mr. Brown's face. We filled our tumblers again and again, and as often were the contents of mine disposed of as before. Once I imagined that a suspicion of some trick crossed his mind, for he looked at me very intently; but my mirthful eye, and the easy air with which I tossed off the contents of a glass, which I took care to pour only half full, completely deceived him and put him off his guard.

'Yes, it was a deception-a trick if you choose to call it so. But beware what language you employ to stigmatize the act. And beware, too, how you deny what was too palpable for the veriest fool to overlook. Yes, you had a secret purpose; and that purpose was in some way connected with your morning's visit to Mr. Richmond, and with his daughter Alice."

Evidently staggered by this assertion, Mr. Brown looked at me for a moment in silence, as if trying to recover his self-command. But in vain: a burning flush reddened his face, and, in a low, husky voice, driven through his teeth, he spoke,

"You lie! Every word is false !"

We

Both of us sprung to our feet, and, quick as lightning, I bent over the table and dashed my open hand into his face. Luckily the table was upset by these movements, and fell heavily upon the floor, while the tumblers and bottles were shivered into a thousand pieces. could hear the hurried step of mine host approaching, and in a moment he tried the door, but it was locked. My antagonist had put himself in the posture of attack, but the Captain's voice, asking, in terrified accents, what was the matter, made him hesitate, while I remained standing in the attitude of defence.

We had talked hitherto chiefly on subjects of common interest, very few allusions being made by either to Mr. Richmond or his family, and these of the most general kind. Now I perceived that my companion seemed anxious to lead me to this subject, and, not unwillingly, I humored him. I saw plainly the deep interest which my apparently careless remarks excited. | Despite his efforts to appear highly exhilarated, it was evident that his head was little affected by what he had drank, though the same amount would have put me under the table. How completely was he entangled in his own net! I soon discovered that he took the most interest in what I said about Alice; and this increased "Yes, an accident," returned I, "since you have my curiosity ten-fold: in fact, it became at length so such a pious abhorrence of all deception. You shall great, that I was in imminent danger of betraying my-have satisfaction, now, or whenever you please to deself, by growing sober too suddenly. Mr. Brown mand, or take it." seemed to perceive a change, but noticed it only by replenishing my glass.

"This is no time or place for the continuance of such a contest; but recollect-you give satisfaction for that blow. Captain Smith is there: it may as well be an accident to him." And he moved toward the door as he spoke.

Mr. Brown opened the door, and forced a smile as he met the Captain's frightened look.

"O nothing at all, Captain, is the matter, excepting

has treated the glass-ware rather shabbily; but you shall lose nothing by this singular freak: put all that's broken into my bill."

Unfortunately, I had succeeded so well thus far in getting rid of the wine, that I began to grow too confi-that the table has preferred lying down to standing, and dent and careless. Without the precaution of touching the glass to my lips, I flung its contents out of the window. My friend saw the motion of my arm and the empty tumbler: this was enough to explain all. In an instant every trace of pleasing excitement vanished from his countenance, and he turned pale with disappointment and rage. I saw that farther deception was hopeless, and directly was as sober as himself. For a moment we eyed one another without speaking, a smile of derision playing lightly around my lips. "You have drunk nothing then!" said Mr. Brown, with a forced calmness of tone.

"Very little indeed," I answered, with the utmost nonchalance: "I have been amusing myself by throwing it out of the window. You must allow that I have played the game expertly, till that last unlucky hit.” "But why such deception? Why not tell me that you did not wish to drink?"

I could scarcely restrain a smile at my friend's coolness. But not wishing just then to give such an indication of feeling, I passed out of the room, leaving him and the Captain to square the account between them, and retired to my own chamber.

I spent a sleepless night; for after the excitement under which I had labored abated, and I began to reflect seriously upon the events of the evening, many disagreeable thoughts agitated my bosom. It was certain that a meeting would be demanded by Mr. Brown, which I could not well avoid, as I had pledged myself to give him satisfaction. All my principles were against duelling; and I knew with what horror my parents would regard the combat. And Alice! I have mentioned her last, but her's, on that night of trouble, was the "Deception? I have but foiled you," returned I, first image that rose before me in the darkness. By "with your own weapons. I did decline drinking at one rash act was I to lose Alice forever? I knew well first, but seeing that you were disappointed, and had her detestation of that bloody code denominated the some secret reason for wishing to ply me with wine, I" laws of honor," for I had once conversed with her on determined to discover your purpose and defeat it. How have I succeeded?"

My companion bit his lip. "I have had no secret purpose to be either discovered, or defeated," said he "You have deceived yourself as well as me-the frequent result of such tricks,"

the subject. What, if I should fall? What if I should retire from the field with crimsoned hands? But I cannot recall the various frightful forms, which stalked before my imagination, during the hours of night. After the morning had dawned, I sunk into a troubled sleep, which lasted, however, but a few moments; for an

"Ha! villain!" cried I, springing upon the coward, who trembled as my hand grasped his throat. "Villain! you feared to meet me, after provoking the quarrel; but it seems that you dare attack a weak, defenceless girl. Now shall your courage be rewarded with a more equal antagonist!" I felt suddenly endued with a lion's strength, and shook him as if he had been a child; while he seemed to have lost all power.

awful dream disturbed me, and I sprang from the bed, not awaking until I stood bolt upright on the floor. Bathing my face and hands in cold water gave me some relief, and I began to dress myself, with a sort of desperate feeling, that, come what might, I must abide the issue without flinching. While thus engaged I happened to look out of the window, and saw that Mr. Brown was up before me. He was walking along the road, away from the inn, in company with Harry Bowne, "Beware!" he shouted, with a convulsive effort. and apparently engaged in earnest conversation with "Beware! or your blood be upon your own head !" him. When breakfast was ready he did not appear, Alice had speedily recovered, and now shrieked with and Captain Smith said that he had gone out, after or- horror, as we both, at the same instant, discovered a dering his horse to be saddled, but kept standing in the pistol glittering in my antagonist's hand. What folstable. The meal being concluded, I took my hat, and lowed I could not discern. The report of the pistol strolled off towards the lake, not feeling disposed to go cracked upon my ear; I felt a sudden pain in my side, to Mr. Richmond's office, and face him with the troubled and my grasp relaxing, fell to the ground. Then folvisage, that even Captain Smith had not failed to notice.lowed several events in misty succession. Harry Bowne, On the shore of the lake I sat until noon, in the shade of a small copse, engaged in skipping pebbles into the water, and abandoned to harrassing reflections. Then I slowly sauntered back to the inn, not wishing it to appear that I sought to avoid a meeting with Mr. Brown. But he had not yet returned, and after taking a few mouthfuls from the dinner table, I retraced my steps, and soon found myself again upon the shores of the lake.

leaped through the hedge, just after my fall, and pursued Elliott, who had instantly fled. Alice I knew was hanging over me, for I felt her hand, and heard her voice. Presently the report of another pistol startled me. I remember thinking that Harry had been killed: then all consciousness ceased.

The reader may easily divine that my senses had not taken their final departure; else how could I be writing these words? This is a common-sense way of reasonAbout five o'clock I started off on the path leading to ing that any one may understand without having paid Mr. Richmond's, determined that I would see Alice at much attention to the rules of logic. But then Alice, any hazard. My feelings had become somewhat more no doubt, thought that I was dead, and the scene was calm, for I thought that Mr. Brown's early departure certainly as affecting as if the pistol-ball had passed diand continued absence from the inn were indicative of rectly through my heart, putting an end to my life and no great anxiety to press on the meeting. I had reach- my love at the same moment. What a pity that my ed the corner of the garden, when, on looking back, I eyes did not remain open and unclouded for a short time saw Alice at a distance, approaching by a different path longer, that I might now melt the reader's soul by defrom the one I had taken, accompanied by a gentleman scribing the poor girl's grief! Probably, however, she whom I instantly recognized as Mr. Brown. The ob- was almost as insensible as myself, for afterwards she ject of his private interview with me, on the previous could give little account of what had passed; and she evening, and of his morning conversation with Harry, was found on her knees, bending over my body, as if whom he had doubtless met accidentally, at once seeking after some evidence of returning life. As such flashed upon my mind. He had wished to discover how romances usually end, I first opened my eyes again, in he might obtain an interview with Alice! Fearing that a strange apartment, forgetting entirely, for a little she might be in danger, I resolved to watch their ap- while, what had happened, and then suddenly recollectproach, and be ready to interpose if it should seem ne-ing all, up to the time when I had fallen. I was in Mr. cessary. Walking back, along the other side of a hedge that bordered the path, I stationed myself at a point from which I could observe every step of their way, without being myself seen. As they drew nearer 1 perceived that Alice hurried along at a quick pace, and that her companion was talking to her very earnestly, gesticulating all the while with considerable energy. I could not distinguish a word that was said, for he spoke in a low, suppressed tone, and she answered, without looking at him, only in monosyllables, until they came nearly opposite to where I stood, the hedge only dividing us.

"Then here we stop!" said Mr. Brown, in a voice half choked with passion; and seizing Alice by the arm, he fastened the terrified girl to the spot.

She uttered a faint cry. In a moment I sprang through an opening in the hedge, and stood before the unmanly wretch. He started at the apparition, and let go his hold on Aliee.

"Henry! it is James Elliott!" she exclaimed in a tone of glad surprise, and fell to the ground in a

swoon.

Richmond's house, and he, with his wife and a surgeon, was standing by the bed-side endeavoring to restore me to consciousness.

The surgeon pronounced the wound dangerous, but I bore the extraction of the ball very well, and he encouraged hopes of a happy result. The next day Alice was allowed to come in and see me, but neither of us was permitted to speak. Her eyes became suffused with tears, as she approached the bed-side, and she seemed pale and worn with grief and anxiety. The smiling look which I returned, however, brought a momentary flush of joy to her cheek. She remained only a few minutes: her mother, who watched over me continually, thought that her presence would be too exciting; for all excitement I was carefully to avoid. In two or three days I was pronounced decidedly convalescent, and then Mr. Richmond wrote to my father, which he had delayed doing, until he could say there was little ground for serious apprehension. The fourth evening after the letter had been despatched, my father and mother both arrived, and found me still gradually growing better.

CHAPTER VII.

Two months elapsed before I was able to leave my bed. During this time my mother and Mrs. Richmond watched by me night and day: it would have been difficult to say which exhibited the most of a mother's tenderness. Alice was allowed to see me often, and several times Harry Bowne was admitted into the room. He had pursued Elliott-for James Elliott indeed it was-on seeing me fall, and had narrowly escaped the shot from the other pistol. Finding that he could not overtake the fugitive, he had soon returned, and carried me in his arms for some distance, until succor accidentally arrived. Elliott had fled to the inn, mounted his horse, already saddled according to his directions, and hastened away; and all pursuit proved fruitless. Mr. Richmond, at first, offered a large reward for his apprehension; but, at my own request, when my recovery was no longer doubtful, he withdrew the offer. Elliott had called on him the day after his arrival, and proposed to become a student in his office; thinking no doubt that this would be a vantage-ground, from which he might make an easy conquest of Alice. Mr. Richmond had indignantly refused his application; but, not dreaming of his real object, or that he would pursue the purpose any farther, he had said nothing about the matter to his wife or daughter. The rest need hardly be told. He had watched for Alice, after artfully drawing from Harry Bowne some intimations in regard to her frequent visits to the church-yard; had met her returning from the grave; and the violence, which my presence had arrested, was a proof that his fierce passions had been terribly aroused, by the manifestation of contempt and abhorrence with which she had met his advances.

When at last I was allowed to sit up, Alice was almost continually with me. Sometimes her sprightly conversation relieved the tedium of hours of weakness, and sometimes she read to me from her own favorite authors; giving constant evidence of a most highly cultivated mind and refined taste. One afternoon we were sitting together before the fire, and both my mother and Mrs. Richmond had been called away. She had been reading to me, and had put down the book to ask if I was tired of it.

"No, I am not tired. I never grow tired of hearing your voice. At times indeed my weak body rebels against the too eager spirit, and demands repose. But let us talk for a little while now."

"Well," replied Alice gaily, shutting up the book; "What shall we talk about? I think we exhausted the language of flowers at our last conversation. What shall we take up next?"

“O Alice, I have much to say to you-much that I may never again have so good an opportunity to say. Yet I scarce know how or where to begin."

The smile which had played on her countenance instantly vanished, for she saw that something weighed upon my spirits.

"There are few, Alice," I resumed-" few who would not have rejoiced to give you the aid which I did, even at a greater peril than mine. I too, when I held Elliott by the throat, felt proud of having rescued you from his ruffian grasp. But, Alice, I have had many bitter regrets since that hour--not that I aided you, but that

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you ever needed such succor. you have watched by me, whenever permitted to enter my room-you have sought to comfort and amuse me, as if you felt a load of obligation resting upon you. A sense of your feeling such a burden has weighed me down. I told you long ago, when you consented to regard me as a brother, that I could not promise to feel towards you only as towards a sister. No, even then, another feeling glowed within, and every day since it has gathered strength. Alice, I love you! The fire refuses to be pent up any longer. But you are wedded to another: you cannot give me your love. Yet I have feared that your gratitude might forbid you to refuse, that which love could never have bestowed. I love you-God only knows the fervor of that love! But I abjure you, by all you hold most sacred, tell me not that you love me, if gratitude alone prompts the declaration!"

While I spoke, Alice rose, and coming to me, bent over my head, and tears began to fall upon me, from her soft blue eyes. When I had done, she replied,

"Henry, if you knew all, you would have little fear that gratitude had much influenced my conduct. I am grateful-or, at least I hope so; but this feeling is lost in one far more intense. From the first day I knew you, your image began to dispute the empire of my heart with that one that had so long held possession. I struggled against the usurpation-struggled against it as for my life; but every effort only weakened the power of resistance. A thousand resolutions failed me in the hour of easiest trial; and I often wept with bitterness over what seemed treachery to the dead. When I stood by the grave, and warned you that I could never be to you but as a sister, the effort cost me the last remnant of the strength which I had convulsively gathered up. Then-even then, I felt that my love for you was unconquerable. A word-a look would have won me to your side, and from Edward's grave our vows might have gone up to their registry in heaven. That struggle has long since ceased. For months I have loved you, without a feeling to distract my heart, but the fear that your love had departed. Henry, if you love me I am blessed!"

What a moment was that! I folded the lovely girl in my arms, and pressed her lips to mine.

"Alice, I am happy! Dear girl! Tell me yet again that I am loved!"

CHAPTER VIII.

My tale hastens to its cluse. Once more I was able to leave my room, and to take up my lodgings with mine host of the "Temperance Hotel." Of course he was overjoyed to see me, and declared that he had not had a guest in his house since my departure, who should have had my chamber for double the price that I paid. This was, perhaps, strictly true, for but one person in all this period, had lodged with him, and that was a drunken pedlar. The Captain further descanted upon the consummate villainy of James Elliott, maintaining strenuously, that, from the first moment the fellow had set foot within the door, he had been convinced that he was a desperate character.

Months glided away, and spring was beginning,

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