nfluence, insensible to our nature, but easily felt by
them."

"I might answer," replied Hansford, "that if insensible to us, we are
not warranted in presuming their existence. But who can tell in the
subtle mechanism of the mind how sensitive it may be to the impressions
of coming yet unseen events. At least, all nations have believed in the
existence of such an influence, and the Deity himself has deigned to use
it through his prophets, in the revelation of his purposes to man."

"Well, true or not," said Bacon, in a low voice, "I have felt the effect
of such a presentiment in my own mind, and although I have tried to
resist its influence I have been unable to do so. There is something
which whispers to me, Hansford, that I will not see the consummation of
my hopes in this colony--and that dying I shall leave behind me an
inglorious name. For what at last is an unsuccessful patriot but a
rebel. And oh, as I have listened to the monitions of this demon, it
seemed as though the veil of futurity were raised, and I could read my
fate in after years. Some future chronicler will record this era of
Virginia's history, and this struggle for freedom on the part of her
patriot children will be styled rebellion; our actions misrepresented;
our designs misinterpreted; and I the leader and in part the author of
the movement will be handed down with Wat Tyler and Jack Cade to infamy,
obloquy and reproach."

"Think not thus gloomily," said Hansford, "the feelings you describe are
often suggested to an excited imagination by the circumstances with
which it is surrounded; just as dreams are the run mad chroniclers of
our daily thoughts and hopes and apprehensions. You should not yield to
them, General, they unman you or at least unfit you for the duties which
lie before you."

"You are right," returned Bacon; "and I banish them from me forever. I
have half a mind to acknowledge myself your convert, Hansford; eschew
the gaily bedizzened Glory, and engage your demure little Quaker, Duty,
as my handmaiden in her place."

"I will feel but too proud of such a convert to my creed," said Hansford
laughing. "And now what of your plans on Jamestown?"

"Why to tell you the truth," said Bacon gravely; "I am somewhat at fault
in regard to my actions there. I could take the town in a day, and
repulse those raw recruits of the old Governor with ease, if they would
only sally out. But I suspect the old tyrant will play a safe game with
me--an