will that was prompt to act. In the midst
of their discussion a messenger came from Ciprianu and confirmed the
truth of my words."

"From Ciprianu? Then the messenger must have ridden all night."

"Yes, through a trackless wilderness and over rugged mountains."

"I do not see how mortal man could have accomplished it!" exclaimed
Aaron, shaking his head.

"It was not a man; it was a woman that effected the impossible. She came
to Monastery Heights to attest the truth of my statement by assuring the
insurgents that what they took for a signal-fire was merely the result
of an accident. The woman who saved us three from death was Zenobia."

At this point Blanka interrupted the conversation of the two brothers.
She laughingly demanded to know what they were so earnestly discussing
together.

"We can't agree on what guests to invite to our wedding," was Manasseh's
ready reply. "Aaron would have only the immediate family, but I am in
favour of inviting all our friends. What are your wishes in the matter,
my angel?"

"I have no relatives or friends that I can invite to my wedding,"
answered Blanka, gently, "but I shall feel very happy if all your family
can be present, even to your youngest brother, whom we met in Kolozsvar.
You must send for him to come home."

"He will be there, dear heart," Aaron assured her.

"And stay! I have a friend, after all,--a friend that I have made since
coming into this country, and should much like to see at my wedding. It
is Zenobia, Ciprianu's daughter."

* * * * *

At sunset they reached the Aranyos River, beyond which lay the
longed-for home, the happy valley which, from Manasseh's description,
had so often been the subject of Blanka's dreams. At last she was to see
Toroczko.

CHAPTER XVIII.

TOROCZKO.

It was a new world to Blanka,--that busy mining community, where clouds
of black smoke from the tall chimneys of the smelting works and iron
foundries met the eye in every direction, and the cheerful hum of toil
constantly saluted the ear.

The Adorjan family gave the newcomer a most hearty welcome. With Anna,
Manasseh's twin sister, the girl whom Benjamin Vajdar had so cruelly
wronged, Blanka felt already acquainted. They embraced without waiting
for an introduction, and when they drew back to scan each other's faces,
they could hardly see for the tears that filled their eyes. Blanka was
surprised, and agreeably so. She had prepared h