ably be hoped they were gone, and that nothing for the future was
to be dreaded from them.

James Starr, however, could not feel sure about it; neither could Harry
be satisfied on the subject, often repeating, "Nell has clearly been
mixed up with all this secret business. If she had nothing more to fear,
why should she keep silence? It cannot be doubted that she is happy with
us. She likes us all--she adores my mother. Her absolute silence as to
her former life, when by speaking out she might benefit us, proves to me
that some awful secret, which she dares not reveal, weighs on her
mind. It may also be that she believes it better for us, as well as
for herself, that she should remain mute in a way otherwise so
unaccountable."

In consequence of these opinions, it was agreed by common consent
to avoid all allusion to the maiden's former mode of life. One day,
however, Harry was led to make known to Nell what James Starr, his
father, mother, and himself believed they owed to her interference.

It was a fete-day. The miners made holiday on the surface of the
county of Stirling as well as in its subterraneous domains. Parties of
holiday-makers were moving about in all directions. Songs resounded in
many places beneath the sonorous vaults of New Aberfoyle. Harry and Nell
left the cottage, and slowly walked along the left bank of Loch Malcolm.

Then the electric brilliance darted less vividly, and the rays were
interrupted with fantastic effect by the sharp angles of the picturesque
rocks which supported the dome. This imperfect light suited Nell, to
whose eyes a glare was very unpleasant.

"Nell," said Harry, "your eyes are not fit for daylight yet, and could
not bear the brightness of the sun."

"Indeed they could not," replied the girl; "if the sun is such as you
describe it to me, Harry."

"I cannot by any words, Nell, give you an idea either of his splendor
or of the beauty of that universe which your eyes have never beheld. But
tell me, is it really possible that, since the day when you were born in
the depths of the coal mine, you never once have been up to the surface
of the earth?"

"Never once, Harry," said she; "I do not believe that, even as an
infant, my father or mother ever carried me thither. I am sure I should
have retained some impression of the open air if they had."

"I believe you would," answered Harry. "Long ago, Nell, many children
used to live altogether in the mine; communication was then