iscovered new charms in Angela;
here some hidden knowledge, there an unsuspected grace, and everywhere
an all-embracing charity and love. Day by day he gazed deeper into the
depths of her mind, and still there were more to plumb. For it was a
storehouse of noble thoughts and high ambitions--ambitions, many of
which could only find fulfilment in another world than this. And, the
more he saw of her, the prouder he was to think that such a perfect
creature should so dearly love himself; and with the greater joy did
he look forward to that supreme and happy hour when he should call her
his. And so day added itself to day, and found them happy.

Indeed, the aspect of their fortunes seemed as smooth and smiling as
the summer surface of the lake. About Philip's final consent to their
engagement they did not trouble themselves, judging, not unnaturally,
that his conduct was in itself a guarantee of approval. If he meant to
raise any serious objections, he would surely have done so before,
Arthur would urge, and Angela would quite agree with him, and wonder
what parent could find it in his heart to object to her bonnie-eyed
lover.

What a merciful provision of Providence it is that throws a veil over
the future, only to be pierced by the keenest-eyed of Scotchmen!
Where should we find a flavour in those unfrequent cups that the
shyest of the gods, Joy, holds to our yearning lips, could we know of
the bitter that lurks in the tinselled bowl? Surely we have much to be
thankful for, but for nothing should we be so grateful as for this
blessed impotence of foresight!

But, as it is often on the bluest days that the mercury begins to sink
beneath the breath of far-off hurricane, so there is a warning spirit
implanted in sensitive minds that makes them mistrustful of too great
happiness. We feel that, for most of us, the wheel of our fortunes
revolves too quickly to allow of a long continuance of unbroken joy.

"Arthur," said Angela, one morning, when eight days had passed since
her father's return from town, "we are too happy. We should throw
something into the lake."

"I have not got a ring, except the one you gave me," he answered; for
his signet was on his finger. "So, unless we sacrifice Aleck or the
ravens, I don't know what it is to be."

"Don't joke, Arthur. I tell you we are too happy."

Could Arthur have seen through an acre or so of undergrowth as Angela
uttered these words, he would have perceived a very smart page