s very happy, and I was bound to believe them
both, and thought that on the whole they would be a better-matched
couple than most of those I saw about me.

It is needless to say much of their courtship. Their engagement was not
made public, therefore it was not necessary to make a parade of their
affection before indifferent acquaintance, Miriam's love, like that of
all proud, reserved natures, was intense. Ackermann's attentions to her
were graceful and delicate, and he ever manifested toward her in his
whole manner that silent devotion, unobtrusive and indescribable, which
is so gratifying to woman. It was evident that he understood her
thoroughly: whether he appreciated her as thoroughly was another matter,
about which I had my doubts.

It was true that strange rumors had floated from California to our
distant little city in regard to Ackermann. Evil rumors they were--they
could scarcely be called rumors--nobody repeated them, nobody believed
them--and yet they were whispered into the ear so stealthily that it
seemed as if they were breathed by the very air which surrounded
Ackermann. I paid no heed to them. Miriam heard them, did not care for
them--why should I?

Months passed away--happily to the lovers--pleasantly to me.
Circumstances then compelled Ackermann to return to our village, while
Miriam felt it to be her duty to remain where she was; but she expected
to follow him in a few months at latest. He carried with him a letter of
introduction to Annie, in which Miriam told her of her engagement to the
bearer, and requested Annie to be his friend for her sake. This was soon
answered by a characteristic letter from Annie congratulating Miriam on
her choice, pronouncing Ackermann the most delightful of men, etc.

During the winter which followed, Miriam seemed quietly happy and always
pleasant and cheerful. Henry's letters were frequent, and so were
Annie's. I did not see the former, but they appeared to afford a great
deal of satisfaction to Miriam. Annie's letters were as lively and merry
as herself, and contained frequent hints that the devoted attentions of
a certain Mr. Etheridge--a wealthy, middle-aged suitor--were not
entirely disagreeable to her; that she thought she should like right
well to be mistress of his fine mansion; with much more nonsense of the
same kind.

I should have mentioned that Miriam had never told her lover of the
peculiar gifts of prophecy and second sight which she had, or fancie