prison that
night? When would Miriam return? Would she ever return, after having
assumed such a task as she had taken upon herself?"

These and other questions presented themselves every moment, as he
walked up and down the piazza, keeping an eye upon the distant road.

Presently a cloud of dust in the distance arrested both his attention
and his promenade, and brought his anxiety to a crisis. He soon
perceived a single horseman galloping rapidly down the road, and never
removed his eyes until the horseman turned into the gate and galloped
swiftly up to the house.

Then with joy Paul recognized the rider, and ran eagerly down the stairs
to give him welcome, and reached the paved walk just as Cloudy drew rein
and threw himself from the saddle.

The meeting was a cordial, joyous one--with Cloudy it was sincere,
unmixed joy; with Paul it was only a pleasant surprise and a transient
forgetfulness. Rapid questions were asked and answered, as they hurried
into the house.

Cloudy's ship had been ordered home sooner than had been expected; he
had reached Norfolk a week before, B---- that afternoon, and had
immediately procured a horse and hurried on home. Hence his unlooked-for
arrival.

"How is Thurston? How is Miriam? How are they all at Luckenough?"

"All are well; the family at Luckenough are absent in the South, but are
expected home every week."

"And where is Miriam?"

"At the village."

"And Thurston?"

"In his library, as usual," said Paul, and touched the bell to summon a
messenger to send to Mr. Willcoxen.

"Have you dined, Cloudy?"

"Yes, no--I ate some bread and cheese at the village; don't fuss; I'd
rather wait till supper-time."

The door opened, and Mr. Willcoxen entered.

Whatever secret anxiety might have weighed upon the minister's heart, no
sign of it was suffered to appear upon his countenance, as, smiling
cordially, he came in holding out his hand to welcome his cousin and
early playmate, expressing equal surprise and pleasure at seeing him.

Cloudy had to go over the ground of explanation of his sudden arrival,
and by the time he had finished, old Jenny came in, laughing and
wriggling with joy to see him. But Jenny did not remain long in the
parlor; she hurried out into the kitchen to express her feelings
professionally by preparing a welcome feast.

"And you are not married yet, Thurston, as great a favorite as you are
with the ladies! How is that? Every time I come home I expect t