o these solitary mountains, and
what is still more, into the enlightened hearts of such pious rebels of
the woods? The old heathens were certainly quite right to call him,
although a boy, the greatest among all the Gods."

"Cease your profitless mockery," said Marion, who had also climbed up
to the summit, "our brother has been long since betrothed to her; the
poor girl is there exposed to the daily peril of her life, because her
connexion is known, here at least she will share the fortunes of her
husband, and shall be protected by us; and if marriage be a holy
ordinance, why should not the command of the Lord be fulfilled in the
solitude of the mountains, under oppression and distress, with a
religious, modest mind and christian humility?" "Do not trouble
yourself," said Lacoste, "at least no expence or parade will attend the
marriage, I think too, that neither bridegroom, nor any of the guests
will retire nosily to bed."

At that moment Castanet, his bride and a croud of his friends issued
from the wood, Cavalier and all the others advanced to greet them with
kindness. The young girl was dark and not particularly tall: a peasant
girl of a healthy robust appearance, a little embarrassed at first but
in a short time she conducted herself with a composed and easy bearing
in the circle of the brethren.

"Brother Castanet," said the tall slender Marion, "it is you that I
have to thank for my conversion, but for your early admonitions, I
should perhaps now be wandering in error, permit your grateful pupil
here in the circle of the brethren; to bless you in your new condition,
under the Almighty eye religiously and christian-like." Roland and
Edmond had also approached, and Elias and Marion delivered a short,
touching discourse concerning their oppression, the distress of the
times, and how by reason of the perishable tenure of all earthly goods,
and the ever increasing danger, it was expedient to unite together in
the name of the Lord, in life and in death; that they might find solace
and strength in general consolation of love and mutual perseverance. A
simple meal was prepared, and in peaceable enjoyment, the various
groups dispersed; while many sang psalms, and others discussed their
past adventures. It was announced that a troop was approaching, and the
pale, sickly Duplant advanced with a band of men leading a number of
prisoners, among whom were Clement and the Vicar, who had again headed
the volunteers in an exped