e sun sank down, and
the veil of night spread over the landscape. There was no sign; and
Philip rose and walked home towards the cottage, more inclined than
before to follow the suggestions of Father Seysen.

On his return, Philip went softly up stairs and entered the room of
Amine, whom he found awake and in conversation with the priests. The
curtain was closed, and he was not perceived. With a beating heart he
remained near the wall at the head of the bed.

"Reason to believe that my husband has arrived!" said Amine, in a faint
voice. "Oh tell me, why so?"

"His ship is arrived, we know; and one who had seen her said that all
were well."

"And why is he not here, then? Who should bring the news of his return
but himself? Father Seysen, either he has not arrived or he is here--I
know he must be, if he is safe and well. I know my Philip too well.
Say! is he not here? Fear not, if you say yes; but if you say no, you
kill me!"

"He is here, Amine," replied Father Seysen--"here and well."

"O God! I thank you; but where is he? If he is here, he must be in
this room, or else you deceive me. Oh, this suspense is death!"

"I am here," cried Philip, opening the curtains.

Amine rose with a shriek, held out her arms, and then fell senseless
back. In a few seconds, however, she was restored, and proved the truth
of the good Father's assertion, "that joy does not kill."

We must now pass over the few days during which Philip watched the couch
of his Amine, who rapidly regained her strength. As soon as she was
well enough to enter upon the subject, Philip narrated all that had
passed since his departure; the confession which he had made to Father
Seysen, and the result. Amine, too glad that Philip should remain with
her, added her persuasions to those of the priests, and, for some little
time, Philip talked no more of going to sea.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

Six weeks had flown away, and Amine, restored to health, wandered over
the country, hanging on the arm of her adored Philip, or nestled by his
side in their comfortable home. Father Mathias still remained their
guest; the masses for the repose of the soul of Vanderdecken had been
paid for, and more money had been confided to the care of Father Seysen
to relieve the sufferings of the afflicted poor. It may be easily
supposed that one of the chief topics of conversation between Philip and
Amine, was the decision of the two priests, relative to the condu