peful for its trust
for another, than even for itself."

"Bless you, Minny; and now 'tis time your anxious heart found rest. I
will see you safe to your own gate, and then good-night."

Minny suffered Wilkins to draw her hand within his arm, and lead her
forth once more beneath the starry skies. They walked on silently, each
engrossed with their own reflections, with only the occasional
interruption of the watchman, or the rattle of some noisy vehicle,
hastening along the stony streets. Minny at last stopped at the entrance
of the vacant court, leading to the secret garden door. As she was about
to withdraw her hand from his arm, Wilkins retained it, firmly, yet
respectfully, in his own.

"I have been thinking, Minny, more deeply than I ever thought before, of
the great wrong which I have done you. The time may never come again
when we shall meet as to-night we've met, and before we part, I must
hear your lips pronounce my forgiveness."

"From the bottom of my heart, Bernard, I forgive you all that you may
ever have done to me; either in word, or thought, or deed."

"I have been a wretch, Minny."

"But," continued the girl, without heeding the interruption, and
speaking in an earnest, thrilling tone, "by the Heaven that is above us
both, Bernard, I here swear, that if you are ever cold or cruel to the
new bride you are winning, as true as there's a heart in my bosom, I
will be her avenger--mark my words; though I should have to follow you
to the ends of the earth, that revenge shall be mine."

A moment of silence ensued, and Minny stood like a breathing statue of
retribution, with her glittering eyes fixed upon the face before her.

"Ah, Minny, the chill breath of desertion and sorrow has extinguished
the last spark of affection which once glowed in your breast for me, or
you could never speak thus. But fear not; your young mistress shall be
to me as the apple of my eye, even as the core of my heart."

"Enough, enough. Good-night."

"Stay, Minny; can you learn to think of me kindly; and, in coming days,
to witness my affection for another unshrinkingly?"

"I have already learned to do so."

"And you will not let these gloomy visions of the past rise up between
you and the far-off stars?"

"Never again, never again."

He pressed the trembling hand he held between his own, and touched it to
his lips.

It was drawn quickly from him; a stifled sob fell upon his ear, and he
stood alone.

Slowly he turned