l never. How long it lasted,
that sweet perturbation, that fervent experience of a touch, neither, I
suppose, ever knew; for at such times a moment is an eternity. As a
lightning flash in a dark night reveals, for a dazzling instant, a world
concealed before, so the electric interchange of two hearts charged with
love's lightning seems to open the very doors of infinity; and it is the
glory of heaven that shines upon them.

Not a word was spoken.

Then Penn held Virginia before him, and looked deep into her eyes, and
said, with a strange tremor of lip and voice,--using the gentle speech
of the Friends, into which old familiar channel his thoughts flowed
naturally in moments of strong feeling,--

"Wherever this dear face smiles upon me, there is my sunshine. I must be
very selfish; for notwithstanding all the dangers and discomforts by
which I see thee and thy father surrounded, the hours we have passed
together here have been the happiest of my life. Yea, and suffering and
privation would be never anything to me, if I could always have thee
with me, Virginia!"

How different, meanwhile, was the scene within the cave! How chafed the
fiery Lysander! How spitefully Salina bit her lips ever at sight of him!
And these two had once been lovers, and had seen rainbows span their
future also! Is it love that unites such, or is it only the yearning for
love? For love, the reality, fuses all qualities, and brings into
harmony all clashing chords.

Toby entered, the gleam of others' happiness still in his countenance.

"De enemy hab dis'peared; all gone down in de frog."

"The frog, Toby?" said Mr. Villars.

"Yes, sar; right smart frog down 'ar in de volley!"

"He means, a fog in the walley," said Carl.

XXXIX.

_A COUNCIL OF WAR._

Owing to the disturbances of the night the old clergyman had slept
little. He now lay down on the couch, and soon sank into a profound
slumber. When he awoke he heard the hum of voices. The cave was filled
with armed men.

"It is Mr. Stackridge and his friends," said Virginia. "They have come
to hold a council of war; and they look upon you as their grand sachem."

"I have brought them here," said Pomp, "at their request--all except
Deslow."

"Where is he?"

"Deslow, I believe, has deserted!" said Stackridge.

"Ah! What makes you think so?"

"Well, I've watched him right close, and I've seen a good deal of what's
been working in his mind. He's one o' them fools that belie