tant; for as Richard leaned from the carriage window to
thank him, the horses dashed forward, and I only caught one more glimpse
of his fine, though pensive features.

"Richard, did you not perceive a resemblance to our father in this
gentleman, noble and distinguished as he appears? I was struck with it
at the first glance."

"Yes, there is a likeness; but not greater than we very often see
strangers bearing to each other. My father must once have been a fine
looking man, though now so sad a wreck. A life of sinful indulgence,
followed by remorse and retribution, leaves terrible scars on the face
as well as the soul."

"But how strange it is, that we are sometimes so drawn towards
strangers, as by a loadstone's power! I saw this gentleman once before,
at the Falls of Niagara, and I felt the same sudden attraction that I do
now. I may never see him again. It is not probable that I ever shall;
but it will be impossible for me to forget him. I feel as if he must
have some influence on my destiny; and such a confidence in his noble
qualities, that if I were in danger I would appeal to him for
protection, and in sorrow, for sympathy and consolation. You smile,
Richard. I dare say it all sounds foolish to you, but it is even so."

"Not foolish, but romantic, my own darling sister. I like such
sentiments. I like any thing better than the stereotyped thoughts of the
world. You have a right to be romantic, Gabriella, for your life has
been one of strange and thrilling interest."

"Yes; strange indeed!" I answered, while my soul rolled back on the
billows of the past, wondering at the storms that heaved them so high,
when life to many seemed smooth as a sea of glass. Then I thought how
sweet the haven of eternal repose must be to the wave-worn mariner; how
much sweeter to one who had had a tempestuous voyage, than one who had
been floating on a tranquil current; and the closing verse of an old
hymn came melodiously to my recollection:--

"There will I bathe my weary soul
In seas of endless rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast."

CHAPTER LV.

What a contrast did the large, airy, pleasant nursery room of Mrs.
Brahan present, to the narrow cell I had so lately quitted! I
accompanied her there after dinner, while Richard, anxious to follow up
the impression he had made, returned to the prison, taking with him his
mother's Bible. I had hardly thought of the communicatio