el certain that she had mistaken her own heart, or that he had
misconstrued the language she had used. She became more vividly present
than ever to his mind, and the constant thought that now confidently and
happily wound itself about her seemed to him to annihilate material
distances and bring their spirits into close communion.

Maurice passed two delightful months beneath the hospitable roof of Mr.
and Mrs. Walton. The period which Ronald had allowed himself for a
holiday drew to a close. The sense of unoccupied power had begun to
render him restless, and it was with elation which might have appeared
tinctured with ingratitude by those who did not comprehend the
mysterious workings of his untranquil ambition, that he prepared for his
return to that foreign land where he could enjoy advantages for the
prosecution of his art-studies unattainable in a young country.

When Maurice embarked for America with Ronald, it was understood that
they were to return to Europe together; but one morning, when the latter
casually announced his intention of securing their passage on board of a
steamer about to sail from New York, Maurice turned to him and said
abruptly,--

"Ronald, one berth will be sufficient."

"My dear fellow, what do you mean?" inquired Ronald, only half
surprised.

"It is impossible for me," replied Maurice, "to return to my life of
indolence and _supposed gayety_. A snake might more easily crawl back
into his cast-off skin. I have breathed this free, exhilarating,
vitalizing atmosphere, and the convention-laden air of Paris would
stifle me. I have written to my father and announced that I propose
remaining in Charleston. That is not all: he forbade my studying law in
Paris, because his sapient Breton neighbors would have been scandalized
by a viscount's taking so sensible a step; but possibly I may prepare
myself for the bar at this distance, without subjecting my father to the
annoyance of their disapproval. The period required for study is
shorter, and I shall have a wider field in which to practise. I cannot
be prepared to enter upon the duties of my profession much before the
time when, according to the laws of France, I shall reach my majority;
meanwhile I study, we will say, _for amusement_. I study as other men
hunt, fish, boat, skate. What do you think of my plan?"

Ronald grasped him warmly by the hand.

"It is just what I expected of you, Maurice! When we first met, and I
was so strongly attrac