not of it, Arthur; it is not wise to fancy evils which may never
have existence, or which, if they are in store for us, Providence has
wisely hidden from our view. You see that I am strong in courage, and
too chary of my present happiness, to suffer one gloomy cloud to shade
its fleeting brightness!"

"Fleeting, indeed!" he answered, "another day, or two, at most, and if
you still decree it, we part for many long and tedious months!"

"So soon!" said Lucie, her cheek changing with emotion; "so very soon,
Arthur? why this unexpected haste, this quick departure?"

"You cannot ask me to remain here, Lucie, when to all but you, my
presence is a burthen; when every other eye meets me with a coldness and
distrust, which, even for your sake, I cannot longer endure! La Tour but
ill concealed his feelings while he thought my services might be useful
to him; but now, I can no longer aid his cause, and I will not tax him
even for the poor civility he has so grudgingly bestowed!"

"You are right," said Lucie; "and under such circumstances I cannot even
wish you to prolong your stay; but when we next meet, Arthur"--

"When we next meet, Lucie? would that we were not to part! that I could
now prevail on you to unite your fate with mine, and shun the
contingencies of another dreaded separation!"

"It is in vain to ask it, Arthur," she replied; "it would only hasten
the opposition and strife of angry feelings, which I would not provoke,
till I feel at liberty to obey the dictates of my own will. My guardian
has now a right to prevent my choice, and I have no doubt he would
exercise it to the utmost; but when I am freed by law from his
authority, he will cease to importune me on a subject so entirely
unavailing. My promise also is pledged to my aunt, that I will not even
enter into an engagement without her sanction, before that period."

"And what is her object in requiring this promise?" asked Stanhope; "is
it not in the hope that she shall prevail with you, in my absence, to
become the wife of De Valette?"

"Perhaps it is," said Lucie; "but do not suffer this idea to give you
one moment's uneasiness;--no, Arthur, believe me, neither threats nor
entreaties can change the purpose of my mind, or diminish that
affection, which will ever remain as fervent and unchanged, as if the
most sacred promise was given to pledge my fidelity, or the most holy
vows already united our destinies."

At that moment they reached a green pathway,