By what silver cords are we often drawn unconsciously towards each other! Frankfort, for aught Eleanor considered, might have been one of those who thought ill of the female sex because he had received its favours; Eleanor, for aught Frankfort _knew_, might be playing a part. A mere man of the world would have suspected her of laying a scheme to ensnare Ormsby for her sister's sake, whilst willing to attract himself; but both were single-minded, honest-hearted people. The woman's heart was full of anxiety, and she longed for help from a strong and steady hand; she met with an open palm, and she accepted its assistance in all confidence and security. They parted, Frankfort promising to put the matter in a serious light before his thoughtless friend, Eleanor thanking him for her sister's sake, and totally unconscious of the spell she was gradually weaving round the hitherto untouched heart of the thoughtful, high-souled soldier. He knew the weight of his influence with Ormsby. That night, after Mr Daveney's return, Eleanor looked from her window into the avenue, between the mansion and the gateway. Two figures were pacing beneath the over-arching trees. Now they stopped and talked; now the slighter of the two left the other, with an angry gesture, then returned; now they were linked, arm in arm, and approached nearer the house. Eleanor had left her light in her sister's room, and Marion was calling to her to say "Good night;" she was full of a ride next day. "How charming, after being shut up so long! Papa even thought these might be peace with Kafirland, after all. Some of the chiefs had sent him messengers, with flags of truce, and at any rate the open plains would be safe, and they should have a gallant escort, and--" Marion was rattling on, as she sat before her glass, brushing her bright hair, which hung in great luxuriance over her white dressing-gown; but hearing no reply from Eleanor, she turned round, and saw her sister, with her head leaning on her hand, in her old abstracted way: jumping up, she ran to her, and casting her arms--how dazzlingly fair they looked against that sable robe!--round Eleanor's neck, she exclaimed, "Sweet sister mine, how selfish I must seem; but I am so happy!--and you--ah! you only answer me with your tears; but, my own darling, you must not refuse to be comforted--you _must_ not." And she kissed the high, thoughtful brow of the pale, sad face she loved. "Comfort, Marion! dear, bright-faced, light-hearted sister!--earth can give me no comfort, no consolation; but I love you--I love _you_;" and she took Marion to her bosom, and kissed her tenderly. "Consolation and comfort are yet to come. Doubtless they _will_ come, but they have not been granted me yet. Ah! `Sunbeam,'" she added, calling her by the name a Kafir chieftain had applied to Marion--"`Sunbeam,' may no clouds overshadow you!"