possibility of his death, until that moment, had never even
crossed my mind, and in the misery of the thought I burst into tears.
From that hour the impression never left my mind; and every accent of
his low, soft voice, every glance of his mild, dark eye, sank into
my heart, as though I heard and saw them for the last time. There was
nothing to fear now, so far as political causes were concerned, in our
removing from our present abode; and it was arranged between us that we
should leave town, and take up our residence in the county of Wicklow.
There was a small cottage at the opening of Glenmalure which my
companion constantly spoke of; he had passed two nights there already,
and left it with many a resolve to return and enjoy the delightful
scenery of the neighborhood.

The month of April was drawing to a close, when one morning soon after
sunrise we left Dublin. A heavy mist, such as often in northern climates
ushers in a day of unusual brightness, shrouded every object from our
view for several miles of the way. Charles scarcely spoke; the increased
exertion seemed to have fatigued and exhausted him, and he lay back in
the carriage, his handkerchief pressed to his mouth, and his eyes half
closed.

We had passed the little town of Bray, and entered upon that long road
which traverses the valley between the two Sugar Loaves, when suddenly
the sun burst forth; the lazy mists rolled heavily up the valley and
along the mountainsides, disclosing as they went patches of fertile
richness or dark masses of frowning rock. Above this, again, the purple
heath appeared glowing like a gorgeous amethyst, as the red sunlight
played upon it, or sparkled on the shining granite that rose through
the luxuriant herbage. Gradually the ravine grew narrower; the mountain
seemed like one vast chain, severed by some great convulsion,--their
rugged sides appeared to mark the very junction; trunks of aged and
mighty trees hung threateningly above the pass; and a hollow echoing
sound arose as the horses trod along the causeway. It was a spot of wild
and gloomy grandeur, and as I gazed on it intently, suddenly I felt
a hand upon my shoulder. I turned round: it was Charles's, his eyes
riveted on the scene, his lips parted with eagerness. He spoke at
length; but at first his voice was hoarse and low, by degrees it grew
fuller and richer, and at last rolled on in all its wonted strength and
roundness.

"See there,--look!" cried he, as his thin,