t. Nothing shall prevent." At
this she kissed Jane and told her how she loved her, and gave me her
hand, for her love was so great within her that it overflowed upon
every one. She, however, always had a plenitude of love for Jane, and
though she might scold her and apparently misuse her, Jane was as dear
as a sister, and was always sure of her steadfast, tried and lasting
affection.

After Mary had said there should be no "if," Brandon replied:

"Very well, Madame Destiny." Then turning to us: "What ought I to do
for one who is willing to stoop from so high an estate to honor me and
be my wife?"

"Love her, and her alone, with your whole heart, as long as you live.
That is all she wants, I am sure," volunteered Jane, sentimentally.

"Jane, you are a Madam Solomon," said Mary, with a tone of her
old-time laugh. "Is the course you advise as you would wish to be done
by?" And she glanced mischievously from Jane to me, as the laugh
bubbled up from her heart, merry and soft as if it had not come from
what was but now the home of grief and pain.

"I know nothing about how I should like to be done by," said Jane,
with a pout, "but if you have such respect for my wisdom I will offer
a little more; I think it is time we should be going."

"Now, Jane, you are growing foolish again; I will not go yet," and
Mary made manifest her intention by sitting down. She could not bring
herself to forego the pleasure of staying, dangerous as she knew it to
be, and could not bear the pain of parting, even for a short time, now
that she had Brandon once more. The time was soon coming--but I am too
fast again.

After a time Brandon said: "I think Jane's wisdom remains with her,
Mary. It is better that you do not stay, much as I wish to have you."

She was ready to obey him at once.

When she arose to go she took both his hands in hers and whispered:
"'Mary.' I like the name on your lips," and then glancing hurriedly
over her shoulder to see if Jane and I were looking, lifted her face
to him and ran after us.

We were a little in advance of the princess, and, as we walked along,
Jane said under her breath: "Now look out for trouble; it will come
quickly, and I fear for Master Brandon more than any one. He has made
a noble fight against her and against himself, and it is no wonder she
loves him."

This made me feel a little jealous.

"Jane, you could not love him, could you?" I asked.

"No matter what I could do, Edwin; I do not,