strove mentally to lay hold of help and strength, for in herself she felt none.

By-and-by Gwen looked in cautiously, and then came forward with the letter, which her mistress dreaded to receive. 'He is come, then?' she asked feebly, and for some minutes. could not gain courage to open the missive— of the nature of the contents she had little doubt. Yet when at last she read them, much

was wholly unexpected.

'MY DEAR MOTHER,-I am thankful that we were able to be together when we first looked this trial in the face. The remembrance of your consent and your blessing gives me energy now; and though I know that to none can this step be so painful as to you, yet I feel you will be upheld, and have ere this found strength to bear the tidings that what was in our consultation only probable, is now inevitable.

'During my brief absence, Mordaunt and Miss Desborough have come to a full understanding. The particulars I do not know, further than that the general impression of her engagement and attachment to young Carisbroke was unfounded, and that she is to be

Mordaunt's wife. Further, and this is strictly confidential, Mr. Carisbroke has selected Mordaunt as his heir, and now lies on his deathbed. You will fully appreciate the generosity and self-devotion of Eve's cousin, when I tell you that in spite of all this he was yet resolved to fulfil his promise of going abroad. Desborough had also given her consent.

Miss

Such

a sacrifice I could not accept, even to save you pain, my dear mother, and I have arranged to take his place, he most kindly pledging himself to watch over my interests here as if they were his own. I will try to write once more to you both before I leave England, but you will know how hurried I am. Yet I am strong in hope and faith, mother, that God will spare us all to meet again even in this world. I need not ask your prayers-I know they are mine.

'Mordaunt and Jane will watch over you

both.'

'Oh! dearest mother, tell me what it is ?’ and Eve clung to the trembling, weeping woman. Mrs. Philipson's self-control was too far gone to counsel discretion, and with a hurried explanation of Sir Mark's difficulties, she his letter into his wife's hands.

And Eve read, but neither fainted nor wept. 'He is beset with dangers, perhaps ruin; and where is his wife?" The words were cold and stern, as if an accuser had spoken. 'Tell me,' she continued, when will he leave?'

'He takes Mordaunt's place,' groaned Mrs. Philipson.

Eve's white cheek grew, if possible, whiter; and she left the room. In a few moments she returned. 'Forgive me,' she said, more softly, passing her arms round Mrs. Philipson; 'forgive me, if I seem unfeeling to you; but oh! not even your sorrow must keep me from my duty.'

Mrs. Philipson gazed up into the eyes whose light was so troubled.

'You are going?'

To him with him-if I may !'

Mrs. Philipson's heart bounded; she thought of the excitement, the journey, the weakness of her who was to make it; but deeper was the sense of the joy her son would feel if -if that cloud of estrangement should by this storm be rent away.

'One word, Eve; and she held her in an eager grasp. Is it duty that goes, or-love?' The crimson tide rushed over Eve's face, her

eyes sank, her lips trembled, and a deep sob broke from her heaving breast. But the mother's quick ear caught also one low sound, which made her strain her in her arms and bless her fervently.

'Have no care for me, my child; and bid him think through how many lonely years I have been guarded and comforted by Him who is all in all. He will not fail me now.'

Q

CHAPTER XIX.

One sacred oath has tied

Our loves; one destiny our life shall guide;
Nor wild, nor deep our common way divide.

PRIOR.

UICKLY as the resolution was made, it

could not be so rapidly carried out. After the first instant of excitement was over, Eve saw that if she really meant to give a tinge of possibility to her leaving England, her preparations must assume more coherency. With apparent composure, therefore, she gave her orders, and superintended her servants' arrangements for departure. In vain her maid strove to pack superfluous treasures, or cast aside what in her own eyes was comparatively useless. As skilfully as time and circumstances permitted, her mistress selected what she would most need. She found that by no exertions could she reach London before a late hour of the night, and she had still an interval of repose to devote to Mrs. Philipson. It was from no lack of sympathy with, or consideration for,