re not pleasing to the ear of the maiden, then, indeed, did that
soft, bright glow which mantled her fair cheek, and the rosy lip,
half-parted and eloquent of interest, sadly belie the beating heart
within, as the twain walked lingeringly homeward, the dark shadows
lengthening on the green grass, and the setting sun flinging a flood
of golden-tinted light upon the myriad leaves which were trembling to
the love-voice of the soft summer breeze.

Softly was the latch of the wicket lifted, and light was the maiden's
step upon the stair, as she sought her own little chamber. Was she
gazing forth from the open window to admire the brilliancy of that
gorgeous sunset? Was it to drink in the beauty and brightness of that
sweet summer eve, or to feel the soft breeze freshly fanning her
flushed cheek? Nay, none of these. See how earnestly her gaze is bent
upon the retreating form of the stranger; and now that he is lost to
view, behold her sitting with head resting on one little hand, quite
lost in a reverie that is not like those of Dream-dell memory, for now
there comes a tangible shape in place of those ideal ones, and the
echo of a manly voice, breathing devotion and deference in every tone,
still is lingering in her enchained ear. For the first time she
forgets to carry her offering of fresh flowers to her mother's room.
Ah! her busy fingers have been strewing the bright leaves around
unconsciously, and she blushingly gathers the few remaining ones, and,
with a pang of self-reproach, hastens to her mother's side.

It is with a sigh of relief that Fanny beholds her invalid parent
sleeping sweetly--a relief that was augmented by the question which
burst suddenly upon her mind, "Can I tell her that I have had a
stranger-companion in my wanderings?" Wonder not at the query, gentle
reader, for remember that the life of our sweet Fanny had not been
blessed with that loving confidence which is the tenderest tie in the
relation of mother and child. Her love was ever intermingled with too
much fear and restraint from earliest youth, for that interchange of
counsel and trust which might have been a sure safeguard against many
of earth's ills. And it was perhaps that very yearning to fill the
only void left in her happy heart which prompted her to give the helm
of her barque of life, so soon and so confidingly into the hands of a
stranger.

Day succeeded day, and still the lovers, for they were lovers now,
were found at their sweet t