e you in your retreat, that
you will not possess in a greater degree with me? Quiet?--I pledge it
to you under my roof. Solitude?--you shall have it at your will.
Books?--what are those which you, which any individual possesses, to
the public institutions, the magnificent collections, of the metropolis?
What else is it you enjoy yonder, and cannot enjoy with me?"

"Liberty!" said Aram energetically.--"Liberty! the wild sense of
independence. Could I exchange the lonely stars and the free air,
for the poor lights and feverish atmosphere of worldly life? Could I
surrender my mood, with its thousand eccentricities and humours--its
cloud and shadow--to the eyes of strangers, or veil it from their gaze
by the irksomeness of an eternal hypocrisy? No, my Lord! I am too old
to turn disciple to the world! You promise me solitude and quiet.
What charm would they have for me, if I felt they were held from
the generosity of another? The attraction of solitude is only in its
independence. You offer me the circle, but not the magic which made it
holy. Books! They, years since, would have tempted me; but those whose
wisdom I have already drained, have taught me now almost enough: and
the two Books, whose interest can never be exhausted--Nature and my own
Heart--will suffice for the rest of life. My Lord, I require no time for
consideration."

"And you positively refuse me?"

"Gratefully refuse you."

The Earl walked peevishly away for one moment; but it was not in his
nature to lose himself for more.

"Mr. Aram," said he frankly, and holding out his hand; "you have chosen
nobly, if not wisely; and though I cannot forgive you for depriving
me of such a companion, I thank you for teaching me such a lesson.
Henceforth, I will believe, that philosophy may exist in practice; and
that a contempt for wealth and for honours, is not the mere profession
of discontent. This is the first time, in a various and experienced
life, that I have found a man sincerely deaf to the temptations of the
world,--and that man of such endowments! If ever you see cause to alter
a theory that I still think erroneous, though lofty--remember me; and at
all times, and on all occasions," he added, with a smile, "when a friend
becomes a necessary evil, call to mind our starlit walk on the castle
terrace."

Aram did not mention to Lester, or even Madeline, the above
conversation. The whole of the next day he shut himself up at home;
and when he again appeared a