ng as the hearts beat in
our bosoms?"

Lenora bowed her head and cast down her eyes.

"Do not imagine, Gustave," said she, solemnly, "that our separation
causes me less grief than it does you; and, if the assurance of my love
can assuage the pangs of absence, let it strengthen and encourage you.
My lonely heart will keep your image sacred in its holiest shrine; I
will follow you in spirit wherever you go, and I will love you till
death shall fill up the gulf that separates us. We shall meet again
above, but never more on earth."

"You are mistaken, Lenora," cried Gustave, with a feeble expression of
joy; "you are mistaken! There is still hope; my uncle is not
inexorable, and his compassionate heart must yield to my despair."

"That may be," replied Lenora, in sad but resolute tones; "that may be,
Gustave; but my father's honor is inflexible. Leave me, Gustave; I have
already disobeyed my father's orders too long, and slighted my duty in
remaining with a man who cannot become my husband. Go now; for, if we
should be surprised by some one, my poor, wretched father would die of
shame and anger."

"One moment more, beloved Lenora! Hear what I have to tell you. My uncle
refused me your hand; I wept, I besought him, but nothing could change
his determination. In despair I was transported beyond myself; I
rebelled against my benefactor; and, treating him like an ungrateful
wretch, I said a thousand things for which I begged his pardon on my
knees when reason resumed her empire over my excited soul. My uncle is
goodness itself to me: he pardoned my sin; but he imposed the condition
that I should instantly undertake a journey with him to Italy, which he
has long designed making. He idly hopes that travel may obliterate your
image from my mind; but think not, Lenora, that I can ever forget you! A
sudden thought flashed through my fancy, and I accepted his terms with a
secret joy. For months and months I will be alone with my uncle; and,
watching him ever with the love and gratitude I feel for all his
kindness, I will gradually wear away his objections, and, conquering his
heart, return, my love, to place the bridal wreath upon your brow, and
claim you, before the altar of God, as the companion of my choice!"

For an instant a gentle smile overspread the maiden's face, and her
clear, earnest gaze was full of rapture at the vision of future
happiness; but the gleam disappeared almost as quickly as it arose, and
she answered