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 of that—for the rash boy behind seems to have changed his nature. I loved—God knows how I loved my brother! but before I would let suspicion thus blind reason, I would suffer inquiry to sleep for ever on his fate."

"Your nephew," said Aram, "has ever wronged me; but waste not words on him: let us think only of Madeline. Will you go back at once to her, tell her a tale to lull her apprehensions, and then follow us with haste? I am alone among enemies till you come."

Lester was about to answer, when at a turn in the road, which brought the carriage within view, they perceived two figures in white hastening towards them; and ere Aram was prepared for the surprise, Madeline had sunk pale, trembling, and all breathless on his breast.

"I could not keep her back," said Ellinor, apologetically, to her father.

"Back! and why? Am I not in my proper place?" cried Madeline, lifting her face from Aram's breast, and then, as her eye circled the