e wiped
from the old man's eyes. A new world seemed to unfold itself before the
eyes of the happy lovers, and they were completely absorbed in
contemplating the future. Furnished by nature with a disposition to
study, and a memory so retentive that all who knew her were surprised
at the ease with which she acquired her education and general
information, Clotelle might now be termed a most accomplished lady.
After her marriage with young Devenant, they proceeded to India, where
the husband's regiment was stationed. Soon after their arrival,
however, a battle was fought with the natives, in which several
officers fell, among whom was Captain Devenant. The father of the young
captain being there at the time, took his daughter-in-law and brought
her back to France, where they took up their abode at the old homestead.

Old Mr. Devenant was possessed of a large fortune, all of which he
intended for his daughter-in-law and her only child.

Although Clotelle had married young Devenant, she had not forgotten her
first love, and her father-in-law now willingly gave his consent to her
marriage with Jerome. Jerome felt that to possess the woman of his
love, even at that late hour, was compensation enough for the years
that he had been separated from her, and Clotelle wanted no better
evidence of his love for her than the fact of his having remained so
long unmarried. It was indeed a rare instance of devotion and constancy
in a man, and the young widow gratefully appreciated it.

It was late in the evening when Jerome led his intended bride to the
window, and the magnificent moonlight illuminated the countenance of
the lovely Clotelle, while inward sunshine, emanating from a mind at
ease, and her own virtuous thoughts, gave brightness to her eyes and
made her appear a very angel. This was the first evening that Jerome
had been in her company since the night when, to effect his escape from
prison, she disguised herself in male attire. How different the scene
now. Free instead of slaves, wealthy instead of poor, and on the eve of
an event that seemed likely to result in a life of happiness to both.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE HAPPY DAY.

It was a bright day in the latter part of October that Jerome and
Clotelle set out for the church, where the marriage ceremony was to be
performed. The clear, bracing air added buoyancy to every movement, and
the sun poured its brilliant rays through the deeply-stained windows,
as the happy couple