many a neighbour or kinsman who would
seek the dead amongst their lessened band.

Young and old came forth to meet them.
Here, a mother looking eagerly for her son,
with beating heart and straining eyes, and
meeting his nod and smile with a suppressed
cry of rapture; there, a betrothed maiden
leaning pale and trembling on her mother,
because she sees not him whom she seeks ;
or a father, who, on the brief reply of one of
the hindmost horsemen to his eager question,

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Thy son fell at Massoura," turns away in
speechless anguish, for he who thus perished
was the sole child of his old age! But whether
they sorrowed or rejoiced, all had a wel-
come for their young lord, who was more
changed by his absence than any of his fol-
lowers. His fair complexion was bronzed,
his figure had a bolder and a more martial
bearing, and his brow a look of resolve and
command, it had never before worn. And
not less changed was his character-the

dreaming student had become the man of action - the wavering slave of his own sensibility and imagination, now listened only to the dictates of a clear and already matured judgment. By his side, rode a handsome but melancholy-looking young man, with whom he conversed, pointing out to him as they passed onward, the chief beauties of the landscape before themthe rich wooded champaign country, the silver Ousel gliding amidst the soft and verdant dales, like a bright line of silver, and the small town near it, which already boasted of shining slated roofs, that glit tered in the dancing sunlight.

"My native place cannot boast of the wild beauties of the North, nor of the sweet groves of Cyprus, Wilfred," he said, "but it is a fair heritage still, and will ever offer you a home, and a glad welcome."

"Thanks, Sir Gerald," said de Lucy, "for your hospitality: I would not wish to be in a

fairer part of the country, though, if you dwelt in a desert, I should equally rejoice to visit my benefactor. And yonder is Leighton Manor, is it not?"

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Ay, yonder is the old Hall! Did you ever see such beeches? They nearly hide Let us give its inmates

the building.

warning of our approach."

He raised a horn to his lips, and blew it cheerily; then spurring his steed, dashed on at full speed, followed by his companion. The drawbridge was lowered, the hall doors opened, and the widowed lady embraced and welcomed her son. When their first greetings were over, and the guest presented, Sir Gerald asked eagerly for Constance.

"She is in her own apartment," replied the lady, "whither, if you wish it, I will lead you."

Constance was standing near the window, as they entered, and turned to greet her

long-loved friend with so much emotion, that she was unable to speak his welcome; but Gerald needed no words to assure him of it, and, kneeling at her feet, covered her hand with tears and kisses.

"My sweet, my beloved Constance," he exclaimed, "my deliverer, how shall I ever express my gratitude and my regret? The devotion of my whole life can never repay your self-sacrificing goodness."

"It is amply repaid by your safe return," she said; "but, Gerald-you received my letter?"

"Ay, dearest, I did! And, Constance, you are in grievous error, if you think I would resign you for another. No, most dear maiden, you have ransomed one who will never know another love than that which is all your own!"

Constance listened, with blushing and glad relief, to the frank confession of error he then poured forth, and to his assurances

of unwavering faith, though she knew not how great had been the change in his sentiments towards her rival, nor of its fearful cause and then she, in turn, related the visit of Edmund Fitzwalter in the disguise of a palmer-his attempt to carry her off

and the final success of his schemes whilst she resided at Romsey Abbey-her discovery of the poor Alinor's ribbon and bodkin, and the outlaws' attempt to rescue her. At the mention of the poisoned unguent, the knight started, and listened to the account of Fitzwalter's horrible death, with the deepest emotion.

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All-just Providence!" he murmured, "he died then by the means intended for...." He paused, and as the thought suggested itself, that this most horrible fate had been destined for the unsuspecting Constance, he pressed her to his heart, with a fervent thanksgiving to Heaven.

My love!" he said, as she looked up