owing by its bank; at other
times they saw the placid waters, and the moonbeams shining upon it
making a pathway of silver light.

At last the horses turned into the great gateway, the carriage wheels
crunched upon the graveled drive, and soon they were before Viola's
home. It was very late, after midnight. George took his team to the
barn, for he would not call up Mose at that time of night. Alice
LeMonde and her two girl friends at once went upstairs.

Viola opened the drawing-room door, and she and Jasper entered. They
stood by the piano, leaning against it. She looked up into his face
with a happy smile in her deep blue eyes and a tender flush in her pink
cheeks. Jasper, gazing down upon her with inexpressible feelings of
reverence and love, imprinted a kiss upon her pure brow, thus sealing
their unspoken troth. They walked together to the broad staircase where
they parted bidding each other good-night.

CHAPTER XX.

Kidnapped.

The hour was late the next morning when Jasper Very awoke from a
refreshing sleep. At first the incidents of the past night did not
arrange themselves in proper order before his mind, but soon the
succession of events and their meaning became clear. He arose, dressed,
attended to his ablutions and devotions, and sat down to think. This
was the tenor of his thoughts: "What a fortunate being I am to have
gained the love of this true and noble woman. I feel myself unworthy of
such affection and confidence. A new idea of God has come to me. He
gives himself for those whom he loves. And in a new sense I am willing
to sacrifice my all for her whom I love. Heretofore I have looked to my
own interests as to food, clothing, lodging, and other things. Perhaps
I have been a bit selfish. Now I shall delight also to plan for her
well-being and happiness. When the marriage rite is said, how gladly
shall I promise to 'love, comfort, and keep her in sickness and in
health, to bestow upon her my worldly goods, and to keep her only unto
myself.' Jasper, a precious treasure has been entrusted to your
keeping, a treasure the most valuable on earth, and you must be careful
to keep it from all harm."

At this moment his soliloquy was interrupted by a knock at the door,
and Nora's announcement: "Please, sur, breakfast is waitin' fer yo' in
de dinin' room."

"Thank you, Nora, I shall be down presently." And he descended the
stairs without loss of time.

You ask, reader, what were the thoughts of