cation: her whole essence was poured out before the Holy
Mother, who was the object of her special adoration. This girl had never
known evil: for nineteen years her mind had rippled on, sparkling with
good deeds, little bright thoughts, gentle inspirations sweetly obeyed;
then first streamed in the warm current of human love, followed by the
rapid thrilling rush of the flow of Divine awakening. The little stream
had become a torrent; but one in which every element was pure, for its
component parts were faith in God, trust in man, the will to act, the
power to bear, contentment in joy and resignation in sorrow. Above all,
she had ever before her the words which Austin had told her comprised
the sermon of the universe--"Thy will be done!" Was it possible that, in
the days when miracles were yet wrought, such a prayer at such a time
from such a saint should not be heard? Some three hours had passed after
noon when she felt a sweet languor overspread her. A mist crept before
her eyes, which quickly passed away and was replaced by a radiance
brighter than the sun's rays; her eyes had power however to look aloft,
and she gazed with clasped hands and with loving reverence: the Holy
Virgin herself stood before her, holding in her arms the Blessed Infant;
the Mother looking down with a smile inexpressibly tender and
compassionate, the Child stretching forth its dimpled hand and giving
its blessing. She sank in rapture, the glory too great for her. As the
vision faded she arose, a marvellous strength possessing her. She
stepped forth, and found herself in the midst of a crowd gazing,
horror-stricken, seawards. "Fear nothing," she said with a calm
expression that seemed to permeate the whole assembly like an inner
voice; "he is saved, and you are saved!" The words came opportunely.

CHAPTER VII.

ANNIHILATION.

"Prophet-like that lone one stood,
With dauntless words and high,
That shook the sere leaves from the wood
As if a storm pass'd by."

_The Last Man_.--CAMPBELL.

"So perish the old Gods!
But out of the sea of time
Rises a new land of song,
Fairer than the old."

_The Seaside and the Fireside_.--LONGFELLOW.

Full of evil augury was the morning of this eventful day in Vazon
Forest. There were the same trees, the same glades and streams, as on
the well-remembered Midsummer day of the preceding year; but nature and
man alike were in a different mood. The trees were