Faithful Margaret

ension on her mind which the vision of the battle-field had cast, and waiting with sic

ctober's brown era came sigh

pon her companion being present. She was so determined to have her way that Margaret had perforce to obey, all unconscious of the trap which was making ready for her. Th

ered about here and there, the beauty of

for the last of the Brands, soon glided into a small Saracenic cloister, which was lighted dimly by a single

f Piermont, passing through hurriedly, as if late for some e

ee you among us is a pleasure

a spectator, yo

azes also. Will you come to the conservatory? I think there is some amazing flow

in the ball-room. Lieutenant Falconcou

ed at his table

as well follow my own inclinations. I shall remain conve

t not count upo

ooks of impatience for you, Piermont. You are too late

r with looks of curiosity, and render

I see Lady Juliana," said the youn

and Harry Falconcourt was

in his manner, which did not escape her notice, "do you know that you have cast a spel

not sure

d as I know you are quite unco

er a disagreeable shock for which she was not prepared. She inwardly reviewed her

her giddy darli

mentary fire. "His grace is not so foolish as to intend

e arm of Piermont, and as she passed, her eyes sought the pair in th

he first straw of hope, "they perfectly underst

nd applied himself with considerable relish to

r revolving in each other's arms, she spoke well and admirably, but the instant that t

return before her eyes, that her face became w

ve you," she said,

if I overcome t

ol hall, and to make her way to a balcony, where night breezes swept crisply over her, and t

upon the dark trees, her hear

ber, at the battle of C

oquy; two figures lounging

did you

l Brand's company almost cut to

! Do they kn

ady step to her own room, stabbed thr

irst of

r reeling senses with a dull admonition

s not a brave end to a brilliant day of heroism. No-by the murk of that g

urbed in her chamber by a

few words to you,

flushed face, the unsmi

being rivaled by my companion, I wish you distinctly to understand that I intend to brook no intermeddling of any one of that class. You came between me and my betrothed before, and drove him to his death; you shall not mar my prospects again for want of a distinct

y pale, "I am not worthy of these ungenerous imputations.

f Piermont, who was ready to kiss my foot-prints, openly setting me aside and searching for a woman who acts as my private attendant

ooked forth from her sapphire eyes, and recognized Margaret

us rage; no love, begot by her patient Margaret's g

struck upon the woman

for no greater happiness than to be with you, and to serve you faithfully, faithfully, my lady, whatever

ord to leave the fish-pond now, I suppose. Really, I think it no bad thing for a sea-ca

t-pang, "I have loved you well, and should not be treated thus. I desire to be

ay herself in her bonnet and cloak, and to arrange a few things

sneered my lady, watching he

find another ho

grace farewell? How cruel of Miss Wals

ce of my lady, but hastened h

and see my father before you go? Or are you anxious to go in this absurd ma

rgaret, turning on the stairs; "and you m

d your boxes, and where is my

office until I send for

, poor Margaret Walsingham flitted down the silent staircase, and, heedless of the servants,

zilian bird in my lord's aviary uttered a piercing shriek of

s of water from her golden comb, Margaret turned back and looked

ole heart and fed her bou

her thus? She was a waif sent wandering through a world wh

which had never a beating pulse for her, and went to find-she knew

-hungered, and despitefully w

rom place to place for the past fortnight

f the scant burden, and now, as she looked into her purse, she found but one silver-piece

send the sum of five pounds to the Lambeth express office for Miss Walsingham,

but it had come to its last shilling now, and Margaret was desperately in earnest as sh

t the broad river, where the forest of masts

ged water below. Poor Margaret's heart was so absorbed in her musings, that she did not notice that the man who