on of the late calamity, to which she attributed
much of his unhappiness, would in time wear off. Meanwhile, she
commended him to the kind protection of that Gracious Being who is
loving to all his works.

CHAPTER XXVII.

I cannot think of sorrow now: and doubt
If e'er I felt it--'tis so dazzled from
My memory by this oblivious transport.

BYRON

"Here come that strange old man," said Felix, the next morning,
looking out of the kitchen window, which commanded a view of the road.
"I do believe he's bewitched the boss."

Rosa, to whom the remark was addressed, ran to the window, and saw the
Recluse coming up the street.

"I'm 'stonished," she said, "that Mr. Armstrong and Miss Faith give
so much encouragement to these low pussons. They always take so much
liberty."

"Give 'em an inch and they take two feet," said Felix. "I wish his
two feet take him away from this house for the last time," he added,
laughing.

"Ha, ha, ha, you so 'musing Felix," said Rosa. "There is something too
very genteel in your laugh."

"You do me proud, sweet Rosa," answered Felix, bowing with his hand
upon his breast.

Holden was no favorite of the black. The well-dressed and well-fed
servant of a wealthy family, with the feeling common to all who judge
from outside appearances, had at first been disposed to look down upon
the coarsely-dressed anchorite, who supported himself by so mean a
labor as the manufacture of baskets, and to consider him as little
better than a beggar-man. No sooner, however, did Holden detect the
feeling, and it was instantly, than he corrected it, so that it never
made its appearance again in his presence. In fact, a feeling of fear
superseded the impertinence of the negro. There was something in the
burning glare of Holden's eyes, and the deep tones of his voice, that
exerted an inexplicable power over Felix. Much he turned it over in
his mind, why, in spite of himself, he was obliged to be as civil
to Holden as to white gentlemen, and at last concluded, the Solitary
possessed some magic art, by which he controlled others. He the more
readily adopted the opinion because he considered his master and young
mistress under the spell of the same glamourie to which he himself had
succumbed.

When, therefore, Holden struck with the knocker on the door, the
obsequious Felix was at hand to open it, and show him into the parlor.

"Tell your master I am here," said Holden, entering.

"How does he