e night before; but the voice was a
wonderful one--a round, full contralto, yet soft and low, with a
certain mysteriously tremulous undertone that fell with a thrill upon
his ear.

The priest started up.

"Breakfast!" said he, with a short laugh. "That is the very thing I
was thinking of myself. I consider that an all-important subject."

"It is certainly a serious matter," said she.

"And you propose to get it for me?"

"Yes," said she, with a faint smile, "if I can."

"I really wish you would," continued the priest, "for it would save
me from a great responsibility; for if you don't get it for me, hang
me if I know where I can get any for myself."

"What do you mean?" said she. "Have we nothing to eat?"

"Well, not so bad as that. I have a bit of a sandwich, I believe, and
you may have it."

With this he produced from his pocket a tin sandwich case and offered
it to her.

She refused.

"If that is the last that you have," said she, "I can wait."

"But you must eat it, so as to get back your strength."

[Illustration: "The Priest Placed The Lady On The Ground Near The
Trunk Of A Fallen Tree."]

"And what will you do?"

"Oh, I'm an old hand at fasting. It's my business."

"As priest, I suppose?" said the lady, with a smile that was
brighter, or rather less mournful, than any which the priest had thus
far seen on her melancholy face.

"Yes, as priest," said the other, dryly. "And now will you take it?"

"Do you ever think about yourself?" asked the lady, in a low voice,
in which the thrill was more perceptible than usual.

"About myself? Oh yes," said he; "I never think of anything else. My
motto is to take care of Number One. It's only for my own sake that
I'm anxious for you to eat; but if you won't take it all, why, you'll
have to be content with half. You won't refuse to share with me and
take half?"

"By no means. I sha'n't object to take the half, if you choose."

"Well," said he, "that's fair; so let's begin our breakfast. Would
you mind sitting on that tree over there?"

He led the way to the fallen tree already mentioned, and the two
seated themselves. He then opened the tin case and drew forth a few
sandwiches. From these they made their frugal repast.

"You must cultivate patience," said the priest, as he ate. "I know
exactly what's in your mind. You want to be off. But, according to
the proverb, the more haste the less speed. Tell me--would you rather
be here or in the hands