ly. If I could always have your counsel
and sympathy, I should fear nothing."

"In seasons of trial--in the hours of gloom and despondency--appeal to
your sister for comfort. Oh! she is far more capable of advising and
cheering than I, who only echo her sentiments." Mary pressed her hand
to her side, and leaning back, closed her eyes, as if longing for
rest.

"I have drawn you on to converse more than was proper--forgive my
thoughtlessness; and, if it would not be impossible, sleep, and be at
rest." He carefully arranged her shawls, and as she lay a long while
with closed eyes, he thought her sleeping, but turning, after a time,
was surprised to perceive her gazing earnestly out on the beautiful
country through which they now rode.

CHAPTER XXVI.

"Alas! how light a cause may move
Dissensions between hearts that love!
Hearts that the world in vain had tried,
And sorrow but more closely tied;
That stood the storm when waves were rough,
Yet in the sunny hour, fall off,
Like ships that have gone down at sea,
When heaven was all tranquillity!"

MOORE.

"Peace and quiet and rest for you at last!" cried Dr. Bryant, as they
drove into the village of Washington, and, by dint of much trouble and
exertion, procured a small and comfortless house. But a bright fire
soon blazed in the broad, deep, old-fashioned chimney--the windows and
doors closed--their small stock of furniture and provisions unpacked,
and a couch prepared for Mary, now far too feeble to sit up. The
members of the safe and happy party gathered about the hearth, and
discussed hopefully their future prospects. Dr. Bryant raised his
eyes to the somewhat insecure roof, through which the light of day
occasionally stole in, and exclaimed:

"'And doth a roof above me close?'"

"Not such a one as greeted Mazeppa on regaining his senses, Frank;
rather insecure, 'tis true, yet somewhat better than the canvas
covering for which we have been so grateful of late."

Dr. Bryant leaned his elbow on the mantel-piece, and fell into a fit
of musing, not unusual to him since leaving San Antonio. The servant
disturbed his reverie by requesting room for her cooking utensils.
He raised his head as she spoke, and then, as if utterly unconscious,
dropped it again, without reply.

"A cigar for your thoughts, Bryant!" said Mr. Stewart, and linking his
arm in that of his friend they turned away. Florence approached
her cousin, and bending over t