vely valley in which the main scene of
our history has been cast, no spectacle might have seemed to him more
appropriate to that lovely spot, or more elevated in the character of
its tenderness above the fierce and short-lived passions of the ordinary
world, than the love that existed between Madeline and her betrothed.
Their natures seemed so suited to each other! the solemn and undiurnal
mood of the one was reflected back in hues so gentle, and yet so
faithful, from the purer, but scarce less thoughtful character of the
other! Their sympathies ran through the same channel, and mingled in a
common fount; and whatever was dark and troubled in the breast of Aram,
was now suffered not to appear. Since his return, his mood was brighter
and more tranquil; and he seemed better fitted to appreciate and respond
to the peculiar tenderness of Madeline's affection. There are some
stars which, viewed by the naked eye, seem one, but in reality are two
separate orbs revolving round each other, and drinking, each from each,
a separate yet united existence: such stars seemed a type of them.

Had anything been wanting to complete Madeline's happiness, the change
in Aram supplied the want. The sudden starts, the abrupt changes of mood
and countenance, that had formerly characterized him, were now scarcely,
if ever, visible. He seemed to have resigned himself with confidence
to the prospects of the future, and to have forsworn the haggard
recollections of the past; he moved, and looked, and smiled like other
men; he was alive to the little circumstances around him, and no longer
absorbed in the contemplation of a separate and strange existence within
himself. Some scattered fragments of his poetry bear the date of this
time: they are chiefly addressed to Madeline, and, amidst the vows
of love, a spirit, sometimes of a wild and bursting--sometimes of a
profound and collected happiness, are visible. There is great beauty in
many of these fragments, and they bear a stronger impress of heart--they
breathe more of nature and truth, than the poetry that belongs of right
to that time.

And thus day rolled on day, till it was now the eve before their
bridals. Aram had deemed it prudent to tell Lester, that he had sold his
annuity, and that he had applied to the Earl for the pension which we
have seen he had been promised. As to his supposed relation--the illness
he had created he suffered now to cease; and indeed the approaching
ceremony gave h