it be feasible, of a
vernal visit. Thereanent have we held a council; and we decide that
it can be done, and saving respect, shall be done. Oh! how I long
for the day! But that is not what I was about to say. Oh! yes.
Postpone until then our deliberations. Let Randolph become versed in
the mysteries of his craft. And when you are here, we will plead the
cause in form, to rejoinder and sur-rejoinder, rebutter and
sur-rebutter. Above all, we will have dilatory pleas in favour of
remaining at Trevethlan. You see I have been taking lessons--ahem!

"Little news at Trevethlan: not good that little. The miners still
disturbed: troops located here and there: rumours very frequent. Our
Jeffrey has strengthened the defences of the castle, and sleeps, or
wakes, with a loaded blunderbuss. He has consulted me as to whether
the cannon on the battlements are safe to fire. And worse, Edward
Owen, of our own village, is said to be much with the disaffected.
The gossips report, he frets for Mercy Page. And the pretty Mercy
frets too, for she has lost her sweetheart. I wish she would not
discompose Owen. In the castle we are all quite well, and every one
commends himself or herself to you.

"May Heaven bless you, and so farewell!

"POLYDORE RICHES."

There was an indecision in this letter, which made Helen unwilling to
show it to her brother immediately. She was very far from imagining
how completely all its intentions were already superseded. She now
anxiously awaited an explanation of the grave expression of Randolph's
countenance.

"Sister," he said, "my own sister, it is all over. The bubble has
burst. We return immediately to Trevethlan."

"Home!" Helen exclaimed, displaying, both in voice and mien, the most
lively astonishment, "What change is this, Randolph?"

"You remember the lady we saw at the opera," the brother said rapidly.
"The miniature--the wife of Philip Pendarrel. I encountered her last
night, heard her desire her husband to learn who I was, saved him the
trouble, confronting her, and announcing my name--Randolph
Trevethlan."

There was a short silence. Then the speaker resumed.

"Thank Heaven! I am free. Free from that double-faced servitude. I can
look men in the face without fear or shame. I am firm on my feet, let
the tempest howl round me as it will. Dearest," he continued folding
his si