the foliage of the trees that encircled the Fairy
Ring, where, but an hour before, her footsteps had lingered with her
friend. All around seemed buried in the most profound stillness; not the
bay of a dog, nor the hum of an insect, disturbed the repose that slept
on every plant and flower, and covered the earth as with a garment.
Suddenly a nightingale flew past the window, and resting its breast on
the bough of an old thorn, poured forth a delicious strain of melody.
Constance leaned her throbbing forehead against the cold stained-glass,
and the tenderness of the wild bird's untaught music penetrated her
soul; large tears flowed down her cheeks, and her seared heart was
relieved, for a little, of its overwhelming horrors. She then returned
to her father's side; and again taking his hand in hers, said, in a
calmer voice,

"Father, we have both need of consolation--let us read and pray
together."

"It is too late to attempt deceiving you longer, Constance; yet I would
fain explain----."

"Not now, father. We will pray."

"And you will be happy; or if not, you will not curse him who has
wrought your misery?"

"I have too much need of blessing. Bless, bless you, my father!--Let us
now seek consolation where only it is to be found."

"But may I not speak with Burrell? I want to know----"

"Father! I entreat you, peace. It is now useless; the die is cast--for
me--for us--in this world--useless all, except the aid that, under any
trials, we can ask and receive from Heaven."

"My child, call me your dear father, as you were wont; and let your soft
lips press upon my hand as there were fondness in them. You said you
would not curse me, Constance."

"Bless, bless you, my _dear_ father!" She kissed his hand; and having
lighted the chamber lamp, read one of the penitential psalms of the King
of Israel, when sin, and the wretchedness that follows sin, became too
heavy for him to bear.

"And now let us pray," said Constantia, conceiving that her father's
mind was more composed; "let us offer up petitions to the source of all
mercy and forgiveness."

"I cannot pray," he said; "my lips may move, but my heart is hardened."

"We will learn of Him who softened the stony rock, that the children of
promise might taste of the living waters in a strange land."

And her earnest and beautiful prayer floated to the Almighty's throne,
from that dull and heavy chamber, a record of the faithful and
self-sacrificing spirit whose pu