'Lena's
heart stood still with fear lest the poor girl's reason were wholly
gone. "Anna, Anna," she said, "awake; Malcolm is here--in the
garden, where you must meet him--come."

"Malcolm is married," said Anna, in a whisper--married--and my bridal
dress is in there, all looped with flowers; would you like to see it?"

"Our Father in heaven help me," cried 'Lena, clasping her hands in
anguish, while her tears fell like rain on Anna's upturned face.

This seemed to arouse her, for in a natural tone she asked why 'Lena
wept. Again and again 'Lena repeated to her that Malcolm had
come--that he was not married--that he had come for her; and as Anna
listened, the torpor slowly passed away--the wild light in her eyes
grew less bright, for it was quenched by the first tears she had shed
since the shadow fell upon her; and when 'Lena produced the note, and
she saw it was indeed true, the ice about her heart was melted, and
in choking, long-drawn sobs, her pent-up feelings gave way, as she
saw the gulf whose verge she had been treading. Crouching at 'Lena's
feet, she kissed the very hem of her garments, blessing her as her
preserver, and praying heaven to bless her, also. It was the work of
a few moments to array her in her traveling dress, and then very
cautiously 'Lena led her down the stairs, and out into the open air.

"If I could see father once," said Anna; but such an act involved too
much danger, and with one lingering, tearful look at her old home,
she moved away, supported by 'Lena, who rather dragged than led her
over the graveled walk.

As they approached the arbor bridge, they saw the glimmering light of
a lantern, for the night was intensely dark, and in a moment Anna was
clasped in the arms which henceforth were to shelter her from the
storms of life. Helpless as an infant she lay, while 'Lena,
motioning the negro who was in attendance to follow her, returned to
the house for the trunk, which was soon safely deposited in the
carriage at the gate.

"Words cannot express what I owe you," said Malcolm, when he gave her
his hand at parting, "but of this be assured, so long as I live you
have in me a friend and brother." Turning back for a moment, he
added, "This flight is, I know, unnecessary, for I could prevent
to-morrow's expected event in other ways than this, but revenge is
sweet, and I trust I am excusable for taking it in my own way."

Anna could not speak, but the look of deep gratitude which be