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 From others of the studious band, Ere long he singled me; But only by more close demand, And sterner urgency. The task he from another took, From me he did reject; He would no slight omission brook, And suffer no defect. If my companions went astray, He scarce their wanderings blamed; If I but faltered in the way, His anger fiercely flamed.

Something stirred in an adjoining chamber; it would not do to be surprised eaves-dropping; I tapped hastily, and as hastily entered. Frances was just before me; she had been walking slowly in her room, and her step was checked by my advent: Twilight only was with her, and tranquil, ruddy Firelight; to these sisters, the Bright and the Dark, she had been speaking, ere I entered, in