The
appearance of the closing portion of the note puzzled him. He had his
misgivings about it. Had his sister's husband anything to do with it,
and with making the appointment on Marley Heath? It might or might not
be so. The changed appearance of the latter part of the writing might
only be the result of agitation or distress on his sister's part. But,
anyhow, what was the course that duty and brotherly love bade him now
take? A lonely meeting in the snow with a solitary horseman on Marley
Heath early in the morning did not read very pleasantly nor appear very
safe; and yet, could he leave his poor sister to her misery? If he
should do so, what evils might not follow? and what would come of the
great purpose to which he had dedicated his life and energies? Was this
a time for fear or shrinking back? No, surely. So he knelt down and
asked for guidance of him who is unerring Wisdom to every one of his
children. And then he retired to rest, and slept soundly till early
morning.

His mind was made up. Having written a few lines to his aunt, he made
his way quietly out of the house to the stable, and, mounting his own
faithful pony, sallied forth. He had, however, dropped his sister's
note by his own room door without being aware of it, and did not miss
it, for his mind was full of engrossing thoughts. It was a bright and
sparkling morning; the snow had been falling more or less for the last
few days, and had in some places formed deep drifts, as a strong wind
had been blowing from the north for some hours. But now all was calm
and bright for the present, though the distant horizon seemed to
threaten a further downfall before long.

Amos had clothed himself warmly, for the cold was now severe. His
great-coat, also, which he had gathered close round him, contained in
its ample pockets some cakes, oranges, and sweeties--a stock of which he
always kept on hand in his own room for the benefit of his niece and
nephew whenever he might happen to visit them at the cottage. On the
present occasion, it is true, he had no expectation of meeting the
children, but only their mother; but he brought these little luxuries
with him notwithstanding, as they might perhaps be welcome to his poor
sister, who was not likely to be furnished with more than the bare
necessaries of life by the man who, though bound to care for her
comfort, would no doubt wrench from her every penny he was able.

With noiseless tread, then, did