r, calling out at the same time,
"Alexis!"

No voice responded.

"They have murdered him!" she murmured, as she rushed forward and
glanced wildly around her.

The cell was empty. She sprang to the grated window. The bars had been
sawn through and wrenched apart, with the exception of one, from which
dangled a rope made of fragments of linen and blanket twisted and
knotted together. Had Alexis escaped, or perished in the attempt? The
moat was deep and broad; but the page was a good swimmer and a good
climber, and his heart was above all proof. There was little doubt in
the mind of his mistress that fortune had favored him. Sinking on her
knees, she gave utterance to a fervent thanksgiving to the almighty
Power which had protected the hapless boy, and then retired to her
couch to weep in secret. The next day the castle rang with the escape
of Alexis. Messengers were sent out in pursuit of him in every
direction; but a fall of snow in the latter part of the night
prevented the possibility of tracking him, and even the dogs that the
count put upon the scent were completely baffled. The next day the
count and his daughter started on their journey.

CHAPTER II.

For time at last sets all things even;
And if we do but watch the hour,
There never yet was human power
Which could evade, if unforgiven,
The patient search and vigil long
Of him who treasures up a wrong.

BYRON.

Years had passed away. The storm of war had rolled over the country,
and the white eagle of Poland had ceased to wave over an independent
land. Count Willnitz and his daughter had returned to the old castle;
the former stern and harsh as ever, the latter completely in the power
of an inexorable master. She had received no tidings of Alexis, and
had given him up as lost to her forever. Her father, straightened in
his circumstances and menaced with ruin, had secured relief and safety
by pledging his daughter's hand to a wealthy nobleman, Count Radetsky,
who was now in the castle awaiting the fulfilment of the bargain.

"Go, my child," said the count, with more gentleness than he usually
manifested in his manner. "You must prepare yourself for the altar."

"Father," said the young girl, earnestly, "does he know that I love
him not?"

"I have told him all, Alvina."

"And yet he is willing to wed me!" She raised her eyes to heaven,
rose, and slowly retired to her room.

Louisa