n or domestic foe, I will
stand among its defenders. But, dear Harold, let us not argue this sad
subject, which it is grief enough but to contemplate. Tell me of your
plans, and how I shall communicate with you, while you are absent. My
distress about this unhappy war will be keener, when I feel that my dear
friend may be its victim."

Harold pressed his hand affectionately, and the two friends spoke of the
misty future, till Harold arose to depart. They had not mentioned
Oriana's name, though she was in their thoughts, and each, as he bade
farewell, knew that some part of the other's sadness was for her sake.

Arthur accompanied Harold a short distance up Broadway, and returning,
found at the office of the hotel, a letter, without post-mark, to his
address. He stepped into the reading-room to peruse it. It was from
Beverly, and ran thus:

"RICHMOND, _May_ --, 1861.

"DEAR ARTHUR: The departure of a friend gives me an opportunity to
write you about a matter that I beg you will attend to, for my sake,
thoroughly. I learned this morning, upon receipt of a letter from
Mr. Pursely, that Miranda Ayleff, of whom we spoke together, and to
whom I presume you have already delivered my communication, is
receiving the visits of one Philip Searle, to whom, some two years
since, she was much attached. _Entre nous_, Arthur, I can tell you,
the man is a scoundrel of the deepest dye. Not only a drunkard and a
gambler, but dishonest, and unfit for any decent girl's society. He
is guilty of forgery against me, and, against my conscience, I
hushed the matter only out of consideration for her feelings. I
would still have concealed the matter from her, had this resumption
of their intimacy not occurred. But her welfare must cancel all
scruples of that character; and I therefore entreat you to see her
at once, and unmask the man fully and unequivocally. If necessary
you may show my letter for that purpose. I would go on to New York
myself immediately, were I not employed upon a State mission of
exceeding delicacy and importance; but I have full confidence in
your good judgment. Spare no arguments to induce her to return
immediately to Richmond.

"Oriana has not been well; I know not what ails her, but, though she
makes no complaint, the girl seems really ill. She knows not of my
writing, for I would not pain her about Miranda, of whom she is