her
hand on his arm, looking earnestly in his face--for I could see them,
plainly, the moon shining full upon them from between the branches of the
tree that sheltered me.

'Not one bit, by all that's sacred!' he replied, kissing her glowing
cheek.

'Good heavens, I must be gone!' cried she, suddenly breaking from him,
and away she flew.

There he stood before me; but I had not strength to confront him now: my
tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth; I was well-nigh sinking to the
earth, and I almost wondered he did not hear the beating of my heart
above the low sighing of the wind and the fitful rustle of the falling
leaves. My senses seemed to fail me, but still I saw his shadowy form
pass before me, and through the rushing sound in my ears I distinctly
heard him say, as he stood looking up the lawn,--'There goes the fool!
Run, Annabella, run! There--in with you! Ah,--he didn't see! That's
right, Grimsby, keep him back!' And even his low laugh reached me as he
walked away.

'God help me now!' I murmured, sinking on my knees among the damp weeds
and brushwood that surrounded me, and looking up at the moonlit sky,
through the scant foliage above. It seemed all dim and quivering now to
my darkened sight. My burning, bursting heart strove to pour forth its
agony to God, but could not frame its anguish into prayer; until a gust
of wind swept over me, which, while it scattered the dead leaves, like
blighted hopes, around, cooled my forehead, and seemed a little to revive
my sinking frame. Then, while I lifted up my soul in speechless, earnest
supplication, some heavenly influence seemed to strengthen me within: I
breathed more freely; my vision cleared; I saw distinctly the pure moon
shining on, and the light clouds skimming the clear, dark sky; and then I
saw the eternal stars twinkling down upon me; I knew their God was mine,
and He was strong to save and swift to hear. 'I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee,' seemed whispered from above their myriad orbs. No,
no; I felt He would not leave me comfortless: in spite of earth and hell
I should have strength for all my trials, and win a glorious rest at
last!

Refreshed, invigorated, if not composed, I rose and returned to the
house. Much of my new-born strength and courage forsook me, I confess,
as I entered it, and shut out the fresh wind and the glorious sky:
everything I saw and heard seemed to sicken my heart--the hall, the lamp,
the staircase, the d