"Because you would not waste your time so foolishly, and because I do
not need a guardian now. I am in authority, you know, and no one molests
or makes me afraid."

"Nevertheless, you need a guardian more than ever, and I shall remain
true to my boyish allegiance."

Richard always had a gay, dashing way of talking, and his residence in
college had certainly not subdued the gay spirit of chivalry that
sparkled in his eye. He had grown much taller since I had seen him last,
his face was more intellectual and altogether improved, and his dress
was elegantly, though not foppishly, fashionable. He was an exceedingly
agreeable companion. Even when I was most shy and sensitive, I felt at
ease with him. When I say that I looked upon him something as an elder
brother, I mean what I express,--not the sickly affectation with which
young girls sometimes strive to hide a deeper feeling,--I remembered his
steady school-boy friendship, his sympathy in the dark days of anguish
and despair, and more than all, the rose, the sacred rose he had planted
at my mother's grave.

I thanked him for this, with a choking voice and a moistened eye.

"Do not thank me," said he; "I had a mother once,--she, too, is gone.
The world may contain for us many friends, but never but one mother,
Gabriella. I was only ten years old when mine was taken from me, but her
influence is around me still, a safeguard and a blessing."

Words so full of feeling and reverence were more impressive falling from
lips usually sparkling with gaiety and wit. We walked in silence up the
gradual ascent, till we came to a fine old elm, branching out by the
way-side, and we paused to rest under its boughs. As we did so, we
turned towards the valley we were leaving behind, and beheld it
stretching, a magnificent panorama, to the east and the west, the north
and the south, wearing every shade of green, from the deep, rich hue of
the stately corn to the brighter emerald of the oat fields, and the
dazzling verdure of the pasture-land; and over all this glowing
landscape the golden glory of approaching sunset hung like a royal
canopy, whose purple fringes rested on the distant mountains.

"How beautiful!" I exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"How beautiful!" he echoed with equal fervor.

"You are but mocking my words, Richard,--you are not looking at the
enchanting prospect."

"Yes, I am,--a very enchanting one."

"How foolish!" I cried, for I could not but understand the emphasi