Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/273

 tude, or leave a spot endeared to me by many memories. Could I but see my dear child the happy mistress of the home of which her mother was once the light, I should have attained the fulfilment of one of those day-dreams we scarcely hope to see fulfilled. No more need be said of this matter at present; but you now know any daydream, and may, perhaps, help to make it a reality."

After an interval of silence, during which Hulmar seemed absorbed in reflection, Reva, as by a sudden resolve, rose, and, going to the place where I had laid down the sprig of eglantine that had already done such service, took up this now somewhat withered emblem, and presented it to me in silence. I looked up in glad surprise.

"You would really like a turn in the curricle?"

"I must see Ialma: and—it would be ungracious on my part, it would even surprise her, if I were to go by myself."

"But, I assure you,"—I began.

"Yes, I understand. But I, too, realize that I have entered into a compact that should not be one-sided. I will keep you waiting but a short time."

With these words she tripped into the house. Her father said nothing, but I could see he was pleased with the state of affairs. I made haste to bring round my curricle to the door, where Hulmar joined me while carefully examining the vehicle to make sure of its being in perfect order.

"It seems but yesterday," he remarked with a pleasant but half melancholy smile, "since I, too, was anxiously surveying the machine that, for the first time, was to carry an additional burden, light but precious. As I