Page:Monthly scrap book, for March.pdf/11

 SCRAP BOOK. 11

across the path and to approach her. Gertrude as soon as she discovered him, threw herself in his arms, and giving vent to a torrent of joy, she exclaimed,--- " Reginald, our happiness is now completed. The good Abbot has consented to our union.  The individual to whom these words were ad- dressed was a young man of commanding aspect. He was clad in a brown russet cloak, the coarse- ness of which ill contrasted with the dignity of his mien, and betrayed what indeed it seemed intend- ed to diguise, that his rank was superior to his appearance.   He clasped her to his breast, and both were for a moment overpowered with emotion. At length leaning upon his arm she conducted him up the avenue, when they quickly came in sight of the Monastery, whose grey walls were distinctly seen by the reflection of the full moon. The hour at which the Abbot would be prepared for their re- ception arrived, and they proceeded to the chapel, the door of which was cautiously, opened by the porter. They entered, and a lighted torch gleam- ing faintly from the altar with the moon-beams re- flected through the arched windows, discovered to them the Abbot kneeling in the attitude of prayer. They renained in silence for a few moments, when the Abbot, rising, approached and led them to the altar. He uttered a short prayer and commenced a service which had only the scene and situation to render it magnificent.