e tree was certain destruction. The
instinct of self-preservation had been making her cling desperately with
that left hand, especially as it held by the thicker part of the bough.
But the habit of implicit confidence and obedience was stronger still;
she did not hesitate, and tightening her hold with the other hand, she
unclasped the left and stretched it upwards.

Joy unspeakable to feel his fingers close over her wrist, like iron,
even while the bush to which she had trusted was detaching itself,
almost uprooted by her weight! If she had waited a second she would have
been lost, but her confidence had been her safety. A moment or two more,
and with closed eyes she was leaning against him; his arm was round
her, and he guided her steps, till, breathless, she found herself on the
broad well-trodden path, out of sight of the precipice.

'Thank heaven!' he said, in a very low voice, as he stood still. 'Thank
God! my Amy, I have you still.'

She looked up and saw how pale he was, though his voice had been so
steady throughout. She leant on his breast, and rested her head on
his shoulder again in silence, for her heart was too full of awe and
thankfulness for words, even had she not been without breath or power to
speak, and needing his support in her giddiness and trembling.

More than a minute passed thus. Then, beginning to recover, she looked
up to him again, and said, 'Oh, it was dreadful! I did not think you
could have saved me.'

'I thought so too for a moment!' said Guy, in a stifled voice. 'You are
better now? You are not hurt? are you sure?'

'Quite sure! I did not fall, you know, only slipped. No, I have nothing
the matter with me, thank you.'

She tried to stand alone, but the trembling returned. He made her sit
down, and she rested against him, while he still made her assure him
that she was unhurt. 'Yes, quite unhurt--quite well; only this wrist is
a little strained, and no wonder. Oh, I am sure it was Providence that
made those bushes grow just there!'

'How did it happen?'

'It was my fault. I went after a flower; my foot slipped on the turf,
and I could not stop myself. I thought I should have run right down the
precipice.'

She shut her eyes and shuddered again. 'It was frightful!' he said,
holding her fast. 'It was a great mercy, indeed. Thank heaven, it is
over! You are not giddy now.'

'Oh, no; not at all!'

'And your wrist?'

'Oh, that's nothing. I only told you to show you what was t