on the contrary, was a star in
cultured society, entertaining high-born ladies and gentlemen, lords,
earls, and governors; chance, only, had made them acquainted. She had
been very kind. No, he must not presume upon her graciousness and tell
her that his heart had gone out to her in a wonderful way. Many men
had proffered their love, but had been rejected. It was blessedness
unspeakable to be permitted to walk by her side, to hear her voice, to
enjoy her esteem, friendship, and confidence.

The song-birds of summer had gone, but the crickets were merrily
chirping around them; flowers were fading, but fruits were ripening.
Slowly they walked the winding paths, stopping at times to gaze upon
the clouds, silver-lined, in the bright light of the full-orbed moon.

"I shall not soon forget this quiet evening with you, Mr. Walden, nor
the words you have spoken. I have thought it was my foreboding, but
now I can see that there may be trying times before us,--times which
will test friendships."

"I trust, Miss Newville, that I may ever be worthy to be numbered
among your friends."

"I know you will." After a moment's hesitation she added, "The time
may come when I shall need your friendship."

Her voice was tremulous. The nine o'clock bell was ringing. They were
by the gate leading to the street.

"You go home to-morrow. Will it be long before we shall see you again?
I may want such strength as you can give," she said.

"I trust that in God's good time we may meet again. How soon I may be
here or what may bring me I do not foresee; but be assured, Miss
Newville, I shall ever be your friend."

"I do not doubt it. Good-by," she said.

She heard his retreating footsteps growing fainter.

"Oh, if he had only said, 'I love you,'" the whisper on her lips.

"I could die for her; no, I'll live for her," he said to himself, as
he walked towards the Brandon home.

XV.

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE.

Abel Shrimpton, loyal to the king, hated Samuel Adams and John Hancock
and the Sons of Liberty, holding them responsible for the troubles
that had come to the people. In Mr. Shrimpton's attractive home, made
beautiful by the presence of his daughter, Tom Brandon had been a
welcome visitor, but the relations between Mr. Shrimpton and Tom were
changing.

"The Regulation Act," said Tom, "which in fact makes the king the
government, deprives the people of their liberties."

"People who abuse their liberties ought to be deprived o