isen from his chair, when a young woman in
the dress of an upper domestic, or lady's maid, entered the room. She
was apparently twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, large and
plump, and glowing with health, and altogether of a most attractive
appearance. Her complexion was brilliant, brighter on account of the
contrast with the white tunic which fell over her peach-blossom
colored fustian skirt, and her eyes, which were cast down when she
came into the room, disclosed hazel pupils as she raised them, and
looked red, as if she had been weeping.

"I have remained behind, according to thy desire," said the Assistant,
advancing toward her, "for there is nothing I would not do to pleasure
thee, Prudence."

"I know not that I requested you to tarry," answered the girl; "but an
I remember right, you said you had some tidings of Philip Joy which
you did wish to communicate to my private ear."

"Something have I to tell thee of the poor varlet," said Spikeman;
"but first would I rather speak of one who doth interest me more. But
say, why is thy mind so careworn about this soldier?"

"He is a friend of mine," said Prudence, blushing; "that is, we were
neighbors, and acquainted in dear old England--a cousin," she added,
telling naturally a little fib, "and so I am sorry to hear of his
misfortune."

"I hope that you do not long after the flesh-pots of Egypt," said
Spikeman, attempting to take her hand, which, however, she coyishly
withdrew. "What have we to do with England or her cramping ordinances,
which we have turned our backs upon forever? Was it not because of the
yoke she sought to put upon our necks that we abandoned her, here to
enjoy a wider liberty? Believe me, beautiful Prudence, there are
delights scattered all over the world, if there be only boldness and
wisdom to find them; nor is their enjoyment inconsistent with the joys
promised hereafter, whereof, indeed, they are the foretaste."

"O, sir," exclaimed the girl, "can you tell me anything about Philip?
Have you entreated the Governor, as you promised, to let him out of
that dreadful dungeon?"

"It is a horrid place," said Spikeman, "and men live not long who are
confined therein. If the soldier be imprisoned there a few days
longer, he is no better than a dead man. Vain has been my
intercession, though I despair not."

He paused to watch the effect of what he had said upon the girl. She
turned deadly pale, and seemed about to sink upon the floor. Spi