I was so completely absorbed in these reflections, that I was
only aroused from my abstraction by Henry's asking me, in an
impatient tone, "Well, what do you gather from that letter,
every word of which you seem to have learned by heart?"

"Nothing," I replied, "except that Edward is as
incomprehensible as he is unsatisfactory."

He seemed tolerably satisfied with my answer, and taking away
the letter, did not allude again to the subject, and only sent
me by my maid the book which Edward had desired him to
transmit to me. It was the "Christian Year," that wonderful,
that all but inspired book. I opened it with emotion, and
perhaps it might have made a powerful impression upon me, had
I not found the passages in it which allude to guilt and to
remorse carefully marked with a pencil, and thus, in a manner,
forced on my notice. This seemed to me the sequel of the
menacing words so cruelly addressed to me, and the pride of my
soul--dare I also say, the native integrity of my
character--rose against such a system of secret intimidation.
My heart hardened against the book, and against the giver, and
I thrust it impatiently out of my sight.

Although sick at heart, grieved in spirit, and humbled to the
dust at this solution of the mystery which had hung over me,
yet there was some repose in the degree of security it
afforded against any sudden revolution in my destiny. I was
somewhat calmer, and sometimes, for a few hours together I
shook off the burden from my breast, and, in outward manner at
least, resembled my former self.

CHAPTER III.

In virgin fearlessness, with step that seemed
Caught from the pressure of elastic turf
Upon the mountains, gemmed with morning dew,
In the prime morn of sweetest scents and airs;
Serious and thoughtful was her mind, and yet,
By reconcilement, exquisite and rare,
The form, port, motions, of this cottage girl,
Were such as might have quickened or inspired
A Titian's hand, addressed to picture forth
Oread or Dryad, glancing through the shade,
What time the hunter's earliest horn is heard
Startling the golden hills.

"EXCURSION" - WORDSWORTH.

On one of those mild days, which occur now and then during the
winter, and which bear with them a peculiar charm, Mrs.
Middleton and I had strolled out together, after breakfast,
into her own flower-garden. She was making a winder nosegay of
the few hardy flowers that had outlived the frost, a