our view. A peculiar mystery
hangs over the devoted tribes; and, assign what reasons we please for
their decay, there is only one satisfactory reason into which all
the others are resolvable, viz: the determination of Providence. That
determination is obvious. As the inhabitants of Canaan, were
swept away for their iniquities, so is the red race destined to be
extinguished; and it may be for a like reason--they will not abandon
their abominations."

"They are as moral as the whites, generally, I believe," said William
Bernard.

"Alas, that word morality!" exclaimed the divine. "It is an _ignis
fatuus_ to mislead--a broken reed to lean on."

"But," inquired Faith, anxiously, "do you think, sir, that nothing can
be done for those who are left?"

"I see but little prospect of it," said Mr. Robinson.

"There are some good people among them," said the doctor, warmly. "I
wish I was as sure of my own salvation as I am of poor Esther's."

This discussion scarcely disturbed the conversation between Anne
Bernard and Pownal, who, much to his delight, found himself seated by
her side. Nor did the contiguity seem displeasing to the lovely girl.
What is the charm that gives boldness to the timid, and eloquence
to the hesitating; which kindles the eye with a brighter lustre,
and imparts a softer tone to the voice: which colors the cheek with
frequent blushes, and fills the heart with unwonted flutterings? Sweet
maiden, can you tell? Yet, what could they have so much to say to
one another? They who are young, and they who have not forgotten the
feelings of youth will readily find an answer.

"My heart warms to the Indians," said Pownal, in a low tone, "whenever
I hear them spoken of. It appears to me, sometimes," continued he,
smiling, "as if I were a sort of relation. Were I a believer in the
transmigration of souls, I should think I had been, in some previous
existence, an Indian myself."

"Probably a Sachem, with your hair nicely shaved, except a little
which was caught up into a knot like a cock's comb, on top to hold an
eagle's feather," said the laughing Anne. "How elegantly you must have
looked after having made your toilette, preparatory to wooing some
Indian Princess, with your face beautifully painted in all the colors
of the rainbow, only handsomer. How I should have liked to see you.
Hard-hearted must have been the fair who could resist such charms."

"You have reason to laugh at me; it is very ridiculous, but"-