was sweet to intoxication, and his eager anticipation
seemed to put wings to his feet.

How different were his feelings as he drew near to the great city
this second time! It was just about a year since he had entered it
for the first time, a stranger, homeless, well-nigh penniless, and
very uncertain of the reception he should receive from his kinsfolk
on the bridge. Now he stepped towards the region of shining lights
with all confidence and joy. He was rich past his wildest hopes,
for the treasure had proved to be far greater than even his fondest
dreams had credited; and he knew that when division was made, it
would be no niggard portion that would fall to the share of the
finder. He had won for himself such goodwill from his kinsfolk as
would stand him in good stead in days to come. He had enlarged his
scholarship, made for himself a number of friends of all degrees,
and, above all, had won the love of his cousin Cherry, and a
position which would enable him speedily to ask her at her father's
hands. He would fulfil his boyish promise made last Yuletide, when
he vowed her that the day should come when she should no longer
pine for the innocent gaieties and luxuries of wealth, but should
herself be a lady of some degree, and should have her house and her
horses and servants, and a bright and happy future with the husband
of her choice.

Now he had set foot upon the bridge, and was eagerly traversing the
familiar roadway, as the short daylight faded and the lights from
the houses shone out brighter and brighter in the gloom. His
uncle's house was almost in sight. His heart was beating high with
anticipation and delight, when a hand was laid suddenly upon his
shoulder, and he turned to find himself face to face with Anthony
Cole.

He was about to exclaim in words of pleasure and welcome, when his
attention was arrested by the strange expression upon the thin,
eager face--an expression so strange that it checked the
commonplace words of greeting that sprang naturally to Cuthbert's
lips, and he waited in silence for what Anthony should say.

"Thou hast come! it is well," said the latter, in tones that were
little above a whisper. "Methought that thou wouldst not be absent
at such a time. Well doth it behove every true son of the Church to
rally round her at such a moment. I felt assured that thou wouldst
be here. Others beside me have been watching for thee. It is well.
Keep thine own counsel; be wary, be discreet.