the branches of the tallest oak perched the black-bird whose morning
hymn echoed far and wide. The sweet notes of the nightingale joined in
the general concert, and the shrill piping of the hawk struck in
discordantly with the varied and beautiful song. Even unconscious
nature displayed her beauties. The dew hung in great drops on the
grass-blades and glittered like so many brilliants, and wild flowers
loaded the air with sweet perfumes. Richard saw little of these
beauties of spring. He ascended still higher. His mind seemed agitated
and burdened. He had just turned a bend in the road when he saw a
female figure approaching. His cheeks grew darker as his eyes rested on
the approaching figure. He gazed in the distance, and a disdainful
flush overspread his face. He approached her as he would approach an
enemy whose power he had felt, and whom he wished to conciliate.

She was within fifty paces of him. Her blue dress fell in heavy folds
about her person. The ribbons of her straw bonnet, that hung on her
arm, fluttered in the breeze. In her left hand she held a bunch of
flowers. On her right arm hung a silk mantle, which the mild air had
rendered unnecessary. Her full, glossy hair was partly in a silk net
and partly plaited over the forehead and around the head, as is
sometimes seen with children. Her countenance was exquisitely
beautiful, and her light eyes now rested full and clear on the stranger
who approached her. She looked at him with the easy, natural
inquisitiveness of a child, surprised to meet such an elegant gentleman
in this place.

Frank looked furtively at her, as though he feared the fascinating
power of the vision that so lightly and gracefully passed him. He
raised his hat stiffly and formally. This was necessary to meet the
requirement of etiquette. Were it not, he would perhaps have passed her
by without a salutation. She did not return his greeting with a stiff
bow, but with a friendly "good-morning;" and this too in a voice whose
sweetness, purity, and melody harmonized with the beautiful echoes of
the morning.

Frank moved on hastily for some distance. He was about to look back,
but did not do so; and continued on his way, with contracted brows,
till a turn in the road hid her from his view. Here he stopped and
wiped the sweat from his forehead. His heart beat quickly, and he was
agitated by strong, emotions. He stood leaning on his cane and gazing
into the shadows of the forest. He then contin