ence, without my knowledge, sent thee a message, as she afterwards
told me."

"And I hope thou art not angry with her for being the cause of my
present happiness?"

"I feel not like chiding her or any one," answered Eveline, smiling,
"but would speak seriously during the few moments we are together. Oh!
Miles, I have it from a sure hand, (though thou must not inquire
thereafter), that Master Spikeman is endeavoring to poison the minds
of the Governor and of the Assistants with false reports against thee,
such as that thou art disaffected against the government. Oh! Miles,
be prudent; for if anything were to happen to thee it would make me
very unhappy."

"The lying varlet! the cozening knave!" exclaimed the young man,
indignantly. "So this is the way whereby he designs to accomplish his
purpose! But I defy his machinations. I have an advantage over him
whereof he knows not."

"What is that, Miles?" inquired Eveline, seeing that he hesitated.

"He, whose the right is, hath every advantage over him in the wrong,"
answered her lover, rather evasively; "but would that I could persuade
thee to cut the Gordian knot and put an end to this torturing
suspense, by flying with me, and giving me a lawful right to be thy
protector according to the wishes of thy father."

"Cease, Miles, and do not importune me in a matter wherein the
impulses of my heart make me but too ready to forget the suggestions
of prudence."

"But how long mean you to submit to this unjust violence?"

"I know not. Be assured, however, that nothing but dire necessity
shall induce me to take a step, the thought of which burns my cheeks
with blushes."

"Do you distrust me, Eveline?" said Arundel, reproachfully.

"No; but it becomes Eveline Dunning; it becomes one whom thou hast
thought worthy to be sought for across a stormy ocean; it becomes the
descendant of a long line of honorable ancestors; it becomes a woman,
whether in the thickly peopled city or in the wilderness, among
strangers or with her own kindred, to avoid even the appearance of
evil. Much will I endure, and long will I bear my thraldom, before I
will allow the thought of such a mode of deliverance to harbor in my
mind."

"My judgment tells me thou art right, Eveline, however much my heart
rebels; but is there no emergency which can make thee cast off this
slavery?"

"None such has arisen, and whatever difficulties may harrass me, I
hope to be equal to them."

"And years, long ye