been in vain: but an unquiet
presentiment that at any moment that discovery might be made, perhaps
in the presence of Godolphin, constantly haunted her, and she even now
looked painfully forth at each inn where they changed horses, lest the
sad, stern features of the soothsayer should appear, and break that
spell of happy quiet which now lay over the spirit of Godolphin.

It was towards the evening that their carriage slowly wound up a steep
and long ascent. The sun yet wanted an hour to its setting; and at their
right, its slant and mellowed beams fell over rich fields, green with
the prodigal luxuriance of June, and intersected by hedges from which,
proud and frequent, the oak and elm threw forth their lengthened
shadows. On their left the grass less fertile, and the spaces less
inclosed, were whitened with flocks of sheep; and far and soft came the
bleating of the lambs upon their ear. They saw not the shepherd nor any
living form; but from between the thicker groups of trees the chimneys
of peaceful cottages peered forth, and gave to the pastoral serenity of
the scene that still and tranquil aspect of life which alone suited it.
The busy wheel in the heart of Constance was at rest, and Godolphin's
soul, steeped in the luxury of the present hour, felt that delicious
happiness which would be heaven could it outlive the hour.

"My Constance," whispered he, "why, since we return at last to these
scenes, why should we ever leave them? Amidst them let us recall our
youth!" Constance sighed, but with pleasure, and pressed Godolphin's
hand to her lips.

And now they had gained the hill, a sudden colour flushed over
Godolphin's cheek.

"Surely," said he, "I remember this view. Yonder valley! This is not the
road to Wendover Castle; this--my father's home!--the same, and not the
same!"

Yes! Below, basking in the western light, lay the cottage in which
Godolphin's childhood had been passed. There was the stream rippling
merrily; there the broken and fern-clad turf, with "its old hereditary
trees;" but the ruins!--the shattered arch, the mouldering tower, were
left indeed--but new arches, new turrets had arisen, and so dexterously
blended with the whole that Godolphin might have fancied the hall of
his forefathers restored--not indeed in the same vast proportions and
cumbrous grandeur as of old, but still alike in shape and outline, and
such even in size as would have contented the proud heart of its last
owner. Godolph