ers it? What is writ is writ. Who can struggle
with the invisible and giant hand, that launched the world itself into
motion; and at whose predecree we hold the dark boon of life and death?"

It was not till evening that Aram, utterly worn out and exhausted, found
himself in the neighbourhood of Lester's house. The sun had only broken
forth at its setting; and it now glittered from its western pyre over
the dripping hedges, and spread a brief, but magic glow along the
rich landscape around; the changing woods clad in the thousand dies of
Autumn; the scattered and peaceful cottages, with their long wreaths
of smoke curling upward, and the grey and venerable walls of the
Manor-house, with the Church hard by, and the delicate spire, which,
mixing itself with heaven, is at once the most touching and solemn
emblem of the Faith to which it is devoted. It was a sabbath eve; and
from the spot on which Aram stood, he might discern many a rustic train
trooping slowly up the green village lane towards the Church; and the
deep bell which summoned to the last service of the day now swung its
voice far over the sunlit and tranquil scene.

But it was not the setting sun, nor the autumnal landscape, nor the
voice of the holy bell that now arrested the step of Aram. At a little
distance before him, leaning over a gate, and seemingly waiting till
the ceasing of the bell should announce the time to enter the sacred
mansion, he beheld the figure of Madeline Lester. Her head, at the
moment, was averted from him, as if she were looking after Ellinor and
her uncle, who were in the churchyard among a little group of their
homely neighbours; and he was half in doubt whether to shun her
presence, when she suddenly turned round, and seeing him, uttered an
exclamation of joy. It was now too late for avoidance; and calling to
his aid that mastery over his features, which, in ordinary times, few
more eminently possessed, he approached his beautiful mistress with
a smile as serene, if not as glowing, as her own. But she had already
opened the gate, and bounding forward, met him half way.

"Ah, truant, truant," said she, the whole day absent, without inquiry or
farewell! After this, when shall I believe that thou really lovest me?

"But," continued Madeline, gazing on his countenance, which bore
witness, in its present languor, to the fierce emotions which had
lately raged within, "but, heavens! dearest, how pale you look; you are
fatigued; give me