as near at hand. These thoughts made his
heart rebel against the yoke he had striven to impose upon it; for no
matter what attempts may be made to destroy it, hope will not die in a
heart that loves sincerely. It resists time and the sternest ordeals.
Death alone can, not destroy it, but transform it, by associating
realization with the delights of a future life which shall know no
blight or decay.

Still, Philip dare not speak frankly to Mlle. de Mirandol. He loved her
with true brotherly affection; and his courage failed him when he
thought of the misery his confession would cause this loving and artless
girl. Moreover, the promise he had made to his father was ever on his
mind, arousing constant sorrow and remorse. He resolved, therefore, to
gain time, if possible. With this aim in view, he had a long
conversation with Antoinette a few days after their arrival in London.
Without referring to the engagement which he had a just right to
consider irrevocable, he requested that its accomplishment should be
deferred until his period of mourning had expired. He pleaded the tragic
death of his father and the uncertainty that still enshrouded the fate
of Dolores and of Coursegol as reasons for delay; and Antoinette
consented. He then gave her to understand that, as they were not
married, it was not proper for them to remain under the same roof, and
told her that he had found a pleasant home for her with some worthy
people who resided in the environs of London and who, as they had no
children of their own, would be glad to have a young girl with them as a
boarder. Antoinette consented to this arrangement also; and this
explains her installation in the Reed household. Mr. Reed was formerly a
merchant, but had retired from business to spend his last years in quiet
and comfort. The situation of the French Emigres had aroused the
sympathy of the kind-hearted man and his wife, so Philip's proposition
was gladly accepted, and they petted and spoiled the young girl
entrusted to their charge as if she had been their own daughter.

Philip remained in London; but once a week he came to spend a day with
Antoinette; and the hours that Mlle. de Mirandol thought so delightful
flew by all too swiftly for her. They never spoke of the future. Philip
carefully avoided any allusion to that subject; but they talked of the
past and of Dolores whose fate was still veiled in mystery.

Sometimes, accompanied by Mrs. Reed, Antoinette visited the po