resque view of
green fields, blue hills and the distant sea. They had come to watch the
sunset, and Charles wished to be alone with Cora, that he might sound
the depths of his heart and ask himself if he really loved her.

Her father was to come in a few days and take her away to the far-off
wilderness, so, if he spoke the promptings of his soul, he must do it
now. Long they sat on the grassy knoll and watched the declining sun.

"How long have you known Adelpha?" Cora asked.

"We were children together."

"Has she always lived in New York?"

"Yes; but our grandparents knew each other. Matthew Stevens had a Dutch
friend, Hans Van Brunt, whom he met in Holland. When Van Brunt emigrated
to New Amsterdam and Matthew Stevens to New Plymouth they renewed their
friendship. Their descendants have always kept up the friendship.
Matthew Stevens was my grandfather, and Hans Van Brunt was Adelpha
Leisler's great-grandfather. When quite a child, Adelpha's mother, the
wife of a prosperous New York merchant, spent a year in Boston where I
lived. It was then Adelpha and I first became acquainted."

Cora's eyes were on the distant blue hills; but her thoughts seemed
elsewhere. Charles would have given much to have known what was in her
mind. Did she, in her heart, entertain hatred for Adelpha? Her remark a
moment later convinced him to the contrary.

"Adelpha is a lovely maid and as good as she is beautiful. Her lot is a
happy one."

There was no bitterness, no regret in the remark; yet her words were so
sad, that they went to the heart of Charles.

"Cora, there is such a difference in the lots of people, that sometimes
I almost believe God is unjust."

"Charles!" she cried, quite shocked.

"Hear me out, before you condemn me, Cora. Here is Adelpha, who has
known only sunshine and happiness, health and prosperity. She was born
in a wealthy family, and has all the luxuries that riches can buy----"

"She is good and deserves them," interrupted Cora. "God has rewarded
her."

"But, on the other hand, you are just as good; yet your life has been
one of bitterness. Misery seems to steal some people at their birth; but
sometimes there come changes in the lives of people. All may run
smoothly for a while, then storms gather about the head of the child of
fortune, while, on the other hand, to one who has fought and struggled
through storms and adversity a peaceful harbor may open----"

Cora suddenly said:

"God forbid, Charle