she stole out in the deep darkness to listen, but there
was nothing to be heard save the distant cry of the night-owl, and
she was about retracing her steps for the fifth time, when from
behind a clump of rose-bushes started a little dusky form, which
whispered softly, "Is you Miss 'Leny?"

Repressing the scream which came near escaping her lips, 'Lena
answered, "Yes; what do you want?" while at the same moment she
recognized a little hunch back belonging to General Fontaine.

"Marster Everett tell me to fotch you this, and wait for the answer,"
said the boy, passing her a tiny note.

"Master Everett! Is he here?" she exclaimed, catching the note and
re-entering the house, where by the light of the hall lamp she read
what he had written.

It was very short, but it told all--how he had written again and
again, receiving no answer, and was about coming himself when a
severe illness prevented. The marriage, he said, was that of his
uncle, for whom he was named, and who had in truth gone on to
Washington, the home of his second wife. It closed by asking tier to
meet him, with Anna, on one of the arbor bridges at midnight.
Hastily tearing a blank leaf from a book which chanced to be lying in
the hall, 'Lena wrote, "We will be there," and giving it to the
negro, bade him hasten back.

There was no longer need to wait for Durward, who, if he got no
letter, was not to call, and trembling in every nerve, 'Lena sought
her chamber, there to consider what she was next to do. For some
time past Carrie had occupied a separate room from Anna, who, she
said disturbed her with her late hours and restless turnings, so
'Lena's part seemed comparatively easy. Waiting until the house was
still, she entered Anna's room, finding her, as she had expected, at
her old place by the open window, her head resting upon the sill, and
when she approached nearer, she saw that she was asleep.

"Let her sleep yet awhile," said she; "it will do her good."

In the room adjoining lay the bridal dress, and 'Lena's first impulse
was to trample it under her feet, but passing it with a shudder, she
hastily collected whatever she thought Anna would most need. These
she placed in a small-sized trunk, and then knowing it was done, she
approached her cousin, who seemed to be dreaming, for she murmured
the name of "Malcolm."

"He is here, love--he has come to save you," she whispered, while
Anna, only partially aroused, gazed at her so vacantly, that