nce does cost a great deal!

CHAPTER XVI.

"My task is done; my song hath ceased; my theme
Has died into an echo. It is fit
The spell should break of this protracted dream.
The torch shall be extinguished which hath lit
My midnight lamp,--and what is writ, is writ;
Would it were worthier, but I am not now
That which I have been, and my visions flit
Less palpably before me--and the glow
Which in my spirit dwelt, is fluttering, faint and low."

The cousins, Alice Orville and Josephine Camford, sat together in a
vine-clad arbor on the shore of Lake Erie.

"I cannot express the joy I feel at beholding you again, dear Pheny;
learning of your welfare, and finding you so happy in the contemplation
of the future," said Alice.

"None can tell what the future may bring," answered Josephine. "All is
vague and uncertain. I never believe anything is to be mine till I
really possess it."

"And so you won't believe Fred. Milder is yours till the nuptial knot is
tied?" said Alice, smiling.

"No, not fully,--not without a shadow of doubt," returned Josephine,
laughing in turn.

"But, Alice, when are you going to get married?"

"Never!" was the quick response.

"Nonsense! Where's that pale, intellectual young man, who used to call
so frequently on you when you first arrived in New Orleans?"

"I have never seen or heard from him since I returned home," answered
Alice, averting her face.

"That's nothing to the purpose, cous. I see you have not forgotten him."

"O, no!"

"And never will?"

"I can't say that."

"I can, though. Come, let's return to the house. I suspect Fred. is
waiting for me to take my promised stroll on the lake shore. How do you
like sister Susette's husband, Alice?"

"I think him a very accomplished gentleman," replied Alice, as they
walked toward the house.

"So I think," said Josephine. "His superior could hardly be found in any
of our large cities. Did you know poor Celestina had heard from her
faithless husband? He pleads for forgiveness and promises to return if
she will receive him. It appears he and brother Jack have amassed a
large fortune in Australia."

"Indeed! I am rejoiced to hear so good tidings of the adventurers. Is
Celestina still in the convent to which she retired?"

"She is; but proposes to leave it and accompany us to Texas on our
return to that country. W