the downcast eye, the tremulous voice, which refused, hesitated, and consented, betrayed the true situation of my feelings.

"Maguire was unusually dispirited-eight o'clock sounded from the belfry—he got up, and took some turns across the apartment-he complained of lassitude, and again undressed and went to bed. Alice,' said he, take down the book which William brought me, perhaps you may read me to repose.' I opened it, and commenced with a beating heart-my agitation was so great that I could scarcely articulate a sentence. Maguire observed it- Nay, Alice, lay it aside; why, love, your voice is tremulous with confinement and anxiety; give me the sleeping draught, and I will compose myself to rest. Now, Alice, take away the taper, and let me view that blessed moon till sleep steals on my weary lids. Ay, on such a night, I sought the proud palace of Count Lichenstein; I fastened my charger to a tree, and stealing through the garden, found Frederica waiting for her young Hussar; I wrapped her in my pelisse, and the good steed bore us to where a calash was waiting; and she for whom an Arch

duke had sighed in vain, gave up all-wealth, home, and honours, to share the destinies of a nameless adventurer! And such was the night when I entered the Turkish camp at Kowna; one centinel was alarmed, but my sabre silenced him. The horse-tails of the Pasha floated in the pale moonlight, and showed his rich pavilion towering over the humbler tents which encircled it. I pressed forward with my brave followers, and nearly surprised him; his guards awoke, but too late to save him. Hulan and Turk cut desperately at each other; sabre clashed with scimitar; we slaughtered the infidels, as half sleeping, half armed, they encountered us. I reached the object I aimed at, as Mohammed was escaping through the curtained opening; I confronted him and called on him to surrender; he shot me through the shoulder, and the good sword which never failed me, cleft him to the chin! The rest the page of history records-a burning camp and scattered army; and the cross which you now wear, was placed upon your father's neck by Prince Fre deric, amid the still glowing ashes of the Turkish tents.' I stood listening-Maguire's dim

eye kindled as he spoke of his former glory. I bent over his bed-he kissed me again and again, and commended his darling Alice' to the protection of the Virgin. I closed the door, and left the melancholy chamber.

"My heart beat fast as I listened to the bell striking nine. What thought I, can he want to say? Should I tell my father of William's request? No-doubtless he wished our meeting to be without his knowledge; he is leaving us, and he may wish to tell me what may refer to my parent, but yet may be improper to communicate to an invalid. He may wish to speak of something concerning myself-and I felt my face glowing at the thought. I looked through the little lattice; it was indeed a blessed nightno passing cloud dimmed the radiance of the full moon-no breeze rustled through the thick foliage which overhung our cottage; and the lake, bright and silvery as a spotless mirror, only rippled to the sullen plunge of the trout or the pluming of the wild-duck's feathers. I fearfully threw my mantle round me, and desiring the country girl, who was our sole attendant, to watch lest my father wakened,

opened the door with a trembling hand, and bent my steps to Glandullogh.

" William and I had often visited the lonely valley together; I gained the entrance of the dell-my heart beat violently, when a sigh startled me, and O'Hara stood beside me.

"He seated me on the green turf beside him, and, as he took my trembling hand, Í found him labouring under strong emotion; his face was flushed, and his voice broken, while my heavy sobs told how poignant was my grief. 'I must leave this sweet spot, dear Alice; I must quit the scenes of childhood and the house of my forefathers I must wander far from country and kindred; but, Alice, that would cause but passing sorrow-but to leave you, and unpro tected too.' He paused.

"And wherefore leave us, William? Is not the house of O'Hara your home-is not the heart of Alice all yours?'

"Mine, Alice! sweet girl, I do believe it, and mourn that fate and honour tell me I cannot but reject it. Yes, Alice, I could almost forego the fixed determination of my heart-I could live with you in solitude which no human

voice had broken-in retirement which neverhuman foot disturbed; I could live without the world, and die without a name-but I am a dependent on another's bounty, and though it be a brother's, never,'-and his eyes lightened as he spoke never will I more break the bread of dishonour-never shall William O'Hara know that fair fame and fortune could be won, and that he did not woo them.' I could not speak, and he continued. Should I live to return again should my name be coupled with the brave and noble, will Alice be my bride?will she twine love's flower around the crimson wreath of glory?—or, should I come home a fortuneless, nameless man, will she receive the wanderer, though none else should bid him welcome?-though no house should be open to him-no friendly hand be stretched to greet him?'

"Houseless or honoured-befriended or bereaved, ever shall one hand be thine-one heart, the rest a burning kiss prevented. Pressed in his arms, the world and all its care was forgotten-all was night, and love, and silence. Ask me no farther. The moon beam