To this, it length, had her struggle with herself in the silence of her own room, and her meditations on her couch, conducted her. Shall we say that these alone had been and were leading her? Or that to all these there was a hidden root, and an informing spirit? Who would not rather believe that his thoughts come from an infinite, self-sphered, self-constituting thought, than that they rise somehow out of a blank abyss of darkness, and are only thought when he thinks them, which thinking he cannot pre-determine or even foresee? When Euphra woke, her first breath was like a deep draught of spiritual water. She felt as if some sorrow had passed from her, and some gladness come in its stead. She thought and thought, and found that the gladness was Margaret. She had scarcely made the discovery, when the door gently opened, and Margaret peeped in to see if she were awake. “May I come in?” she said. “Yes, please, Margaret.” “How do you feel to-day?” “Oh, so much better, dear Margaret! Your kindness will make me well.” “I am so glad! Do lie still awhile, and I will bring you some breakfast. Mrs. Elton will be so pleased to find you let me wait on you!” “She asked me, Margaret, if you should; but I was too miserable—and too naughty, for I did not like you.” “I knew that; but I felt sure you would not dislike me always.” “Why?” “Because I could not help loving you.” “Why did you love me?” “I will tell you half the reason.—Because you looked unhappy.” “What was the other half?” “That I cannot—I mean I will not tell you.” “Never?” “Perhaps never. But I don’t know.—Not now.” “Then I must not ask you?” “No—please.” “Very well, I won’t.” “Thank you. I will go and get your breakfast.” “What can she mean?” said Euphra to herself. But she would never have found out. CHAPTER XIV. DAVID ELGINBROD. He being dead yet speaketh. HEB., xi. 4. In all ‘he’ did Some figure of the golden times was hid. DR. DONNE. From this time, Margaret waited upon Euphra, as if she had been her own maid. Nor had Mrs. Elton any cause of complaint, for Margaret was always at hand when she was wanted. Indeed, her mistress was full of her praises. Euphra said little.