and lower; the hardness and hypocrisies of
pride, the sense of danger and of horror, that, in agitating, still
supported, the mind of this resolute and scheming man, at once forsook
him. Madeline felt his tears drop fast and burning on her hand, and the
next moment, overcome by the relief it afforded to a heart preyed upon
by fiery and dread secrets, which it could not reveal, and a frame
exhausted by the long and extreme tension of all its powers, he laid his
head upon that faithful bosom, and wept aloud.

CHAPTER VII.

ARAM'S SECRET EXPEDITION.--A SCENE WORTHY THE ACTORS.--ARAM'S
ADDRESS AND POWERS OF PERSUASION OR HYPOCRISY.--THEIR RESULT.
--A FEARFUL NIGHT.--ARAM'S SOLITARY RIDE HOMEWARD.
--WHOM HE MEETS BY THE WAY, AND WHAT HE SEES.

Macbeth. Now o'er the one half world
Nature seems dead.

Donalbain. Our separated fortune
Shall keep us both the safer.

Old Man. Hours dreadful and things strange.
--Macbeth.

"And you must really go to ------ to pay your importunate creditor this
very evening. Sunday is a bad day for such matters; but as you pay him
by an order, it does not much signify; and I can well understand your
impatience to feel discharged of the debt. But it is already late; and
if it must be so, you had better start."

"True," said Aram to the above remark of Lester's, as the two stood
together without the door; "but do you feel quite secure and guarded
against any renewed attack?"

"Why, unless they bring a regiment, yes! I have put a body of our
patrole on a service where they can scarce be inefficient, viz. I have
stationed them in the house, instead of without; and I shall myself bear
them company through the greater part of the night: to-morrow I shall
remove all that I possess of value to--(the county town) including those
unlucky guineas, which you will not ease me of."

"The order you have kindly given me will amply satisfy my purpose,"
answered Aram: "And so, there has been no clue to these robberies
discovered throughout the day?"

"None: to-morrow, the magistrates are to meet at--, and concert
measures: it is absolutely impossible, but that we should detect the
villains in a few days, viz. if they remain in these parts. I hope to
heaven you will not meet them this evening."

"I shall go well armed," answered Aram, "and the horse you lend me is
fleet and strong. And now farewell for the