, blushed with the most
ingenuous modesty, took up his hat that was lying on the grass, put his
paper and pencil in his portfolio, and walked away into the wilderness
of stately and majestic trees, that rose dome within dome, pillar within
pillar, like a grand cathedral. We followed slowly in the beaten path,
through the dark green maples, the bright-leaved luxuriant beech trees,
and the quivering aspens, whose trembling leaves seem instinct with
human sensibility. And all the time we wandered through the magnificent
aisles of the island, the deep roar of the cataract, like the symphony
of a great organ, rolled solemnly through the leafy solitude, and
mingled with the rustling of the forest boughs.

In the evening the young artist sought an introduction to our party. His
name was Julian, and had the advantage of romantic association. I was
glad that Ernest gave him a cordial reception, for I was extremely
prepossessed in his favor. Even the wild idea that he might be my
unknown brother, had entered my mind. I remembered Mrs. Linwood's advice
too well to express it. I even tried to banish it, as absurd and
irrational; but it would cling to me,--and gave an interest to the young
stranger which, though I dared not manifest, I could not help feeling.
Fortunately his undisguised admiration of Edith was a safeguard to me.
He was too artless to conceal it, yet too modest to express it. It was
evinced by the mute eloquence of eyes that gazed upon her, as on a
celestial being; and the listening ear, that seemed to drink in the
lowest sound of her sweet, low voice. He was asked to exhibit his
sketches, which were pronounced bold, splendid, and masterly.

Edith was leaning on her brother's shoulder, when she recognized her own
likeness, most faithfully and gracefully executed. She started, blushed,
and looked towards young Julian, whose expressive eyes were riveted on
her face, as if deprecating her displeasure. There were no traces of it
on her lovely countenance; even a smile played on her lips, at the faint
reflection of her own loveliness.

And thus commenced an acquaintance, or I might say an attachment, as
sudden and romantic as is ever described in the pages of the novelist.
As soon as the diffidence that veiled his first introduction wore away,
he called forth his peculiar powers of pleasing, and Edith was not
insensible to their fascination. Since her brother's marriage, she had
felt a vacuum in her heart, which often i