ad
tidings, Emily."

Emily paused not to consider, but with her own wild grace ran forward
and cast herself into his arms.

Fortunately Mrs. Hazleton had no dagger with her. Her face was
benevolent and smiling when she joined them; for the joy there was upon
Emily's countenance forbade any affectation of apprehension. It said as
plainly as possible, "All is well;" but she added the words too,
stretching forth her hand to her supposed friend, and saying, "Dear Mrs.
Hazleton, Charles brings me word that my father is safe--that the
Government have declared they will not prosecute."

"I congratulate you with my whole heart, Emily," replied the lady; "and
I do sincerely hope that ministers may keep their word better in this
instance than they have done in some others."

"There is not the slightest doubt of it, my dear madam," said Marlow;
"for I have the official announcement under the hand of the Secretary of
State."

"I must fly and tell my mother," said Emily, and without waiting for a
reply she darted away.

Mrs. Hazleton took a turn or two up and down the terrace with Marlow,
considering whether it was at all possible for her to be of any further
comfort to her friends at the Court. As she could not stay all night,
however, so as to prevent Emily and Marlow from having any happy private
conversation together and as she judged that, in their present joy, they
would a good deal forget conventional restraints, and give way to their
lover-like feelings even in her presence, which would be exceedingly
disagreeable to her, she soon re-entered the house, and ordered her
carriage.

It must be acknowledged that both Emily and Marlow were well satisfied
to see her depart, and it is not to be wondered at if they gave
themselves up for half an hour to the pleasure of meeting again.

At the end of that time, however, Marlow drew forth a letter from his
pocket, carefully folded, so that a line or two only was apparent, and
placing it before Emily, inquired if she knew the hand.

"It is mine," said Emily, at first; but the moment after she exclaimed
"No!--it is not; it is Mrs. Hazleton's. I know it by the peculiar way
she forms the _g_ and the _y_.--Stay, let me see, Marlow. She has not
done so always; but that _g_, and that _y_, I am quite certain of. Why
do you ask, Marlow?"

"For reasons of the utmost importance, dear Emily," he answered, "have
you any letters or notes of Mrs. Hazleton's?"

"Yes, there is one which c