t also those from the stone
quarries, iron mines, and the water mill at the head of the valley, and
also from the real estate in the village at the foot, all of which was
included in the Black Valley Manor.

The new agent was frequently called to Black Hall, where he was always
received with the utmost courtesy. And as the acquaintance between the
proprietor and the agent ripened into intimacy, a deep and strong
attachment grew between them.

"Youth never showed itself wiser or better than in this young man,"
murmured Mr. Berners to himself.

"Age was never so venerable and beautiful as in this old man," thought
John Lyon Howe to himself.

The old man loaded the young one with many marks of his esteem and
affection. The young man returned these with the warmest gratitude and
highest reverence.

When John Lyon Howe, with his heart filled with love for Sybil Berners,
first entered Black Hall, it was without the slightest suspicion of her
responsive love for him. But when they were thrown so much together, he
was not very long in making the discovery so delightful to his soul,
and yet--so trying too! for, as a man of good principles, there seemed
to be but one course left open to him--the course of self-denial! He
loved the great heiress, and had unintentionally won her love! Therefore
he must fly from her presence, trying to forget her, hoping that she
might forget him.

He summoned up courage for the sacrifice, and went into the study of his
employer and in a few words told him that he had come to say good-bye.

The astonished old man looked up for an explanation.

John Lyon Howe gave it to him.

"And so you wish to leave me, never to return to the Hall, because you
love my daughter."

The young man bowed in silence; but could not conceal the misery it
caused him to make this acknowledgment.

"But why should that oblige you to leave the house?" inquired Mr.
Berners.

"Oh, sir! can you ask?" exclaimed Mr. Howe.

"Oh, I see! the little witch has refused you!" exclaimed old Bertram
with a twinkle in his eye. "Come, is it not so?"

"Sir, I have never abused your confidence so far as to seek her hand! I
could not make so base a return for your kindness to me."

"Oh, you have never asked her to marry you! How in the world, then, can
you know whether she will accept you or not? or, consequently, whether
it will be necessary for you to leave or not?"

"Oh, sir! what is it that you would say?" exclaimed the y