"As you will, my gentlest, kindest cousin; I know your prudence and affection. I leave you to obtain me this interview; you can, and will, I am convinced." "Do not be sanguine, Walter. I can only promise to use my best endeavours," answered Ellinor, blushing as he kissed her hand; and, hurrying up the walk, she disappeared within the house. Walter walked for some moments about the alley in which Ellinor had left him, but growing impatient, he at length wound through the overhanging trees, and the house stood immediately before him,--the moonlight shining full on the window-panes, and sleeping in quiet shadow over the green turf in front. He approached yet nearer, and through one of the windows, by a single light in the room, he saw Ellinor leaning over a couch, on which a form reclined, that his heart, rather than his sight, told him was his once-adored Madeline. He stopped, and his breath heaved thick;-- he thought of their common home at Grassdale--of the old Manor-house--of the little parlour with the woodbine at its casement--of the group within, once so happy and light-hearted, of which he had formerly made the one most buoyant, and not least-loved. And now this strange--this desolate house--himself estranged from all once regarding him,--(and those broken-hearted,)--this night ushering what a morrow!--he groaned almost aloud, and retreated once more into the shadow of the trees. In a few minutes the door at the right of the building opened, and Ellinor came forth with a quick step. "Come in, dear Walter," said she; "Madeline has consented to see you-- nay, when I told her you were here, and desired an interview, she paused but for one instant, and then begged me to admit you." "God bless her!" said poor Walter, drawing his hand across his eyes, and following Ellinor to the door. "You will find her greatly changed!" whispered Ellinor, as they gained the outer hall; "be prepared!" Walter did not reply, save by an expressive gesture; and Ellinor led him into a room, which communicated, by one of those glass doors often to be seen in the old-fashioned houses of country towns, with the one in which he had previously seen Madeline. With a noiseless step, and almost holding his breath, he followed his fair guide through this apartment, and he now stood by the couch on which Madeline still reclined. She held out her hand to him--he pressed it to his lips, without daring to look her in the face; and after a moment's pause, she said-- "So, you wished to see me, Walter! It is an anxious night this for all of us!" "For all!" repeated Walter, emphatically; and for me not the least!" "We have known some sad days since we last met!" renewed Madeline; and there was another, and an embarrassed pause.