"Ah! what a moment it was, by that old temple, the lily triumphing over the rose on your fair cheek, even more than now, yet with such mild and gentle triumph, one scarce could wish it less; your eyes veiled by those soft lashes:--well, no more--I will say no more of this. I tried my poor skill to call you back to life, and, just as I succeeded, your companion and attendant came in sight. Since then, this dear memento has nestled near my heart, a shield against evil, and against evil thoughts. What! still so pale? you must be ill, my sweet friend," he inquired tenderly. "No, Walter, not in body; but wherefore should you bear that braid so near you?" "Sweet Constance, may I now call you by that dear name? Oh, how my heart rebelled against the sound 'Mistress Cecil!'--Truly is love a republican, for he does not recognise titles; though, perhaps, it were better to describe him as a despot, acknowledging none that are not of his own creation. Why should I not wear the braid? Though now an outlawed man, it may not be always thus; the time will come when my own arm shall win the way to glory and to fortune." "I doubt it not--I doubt it not;--but--save that nothing can make your fortunes a matter of indifference to the friend and companion of your childhood--I can have no greater interest in you, nor you in me. But why prevent my saying to my father that the lost bird is found? Methinks I would gladly know with him the mysteries of your disappearance, and the still greater one of your concealment; suffer that I tell----" The Cavalier smiled a smile so moody, so full of sad expression, that she paused. "Not so; I cannot explain any thing: perhaps (if your words be serious) the time may never come when I can explain. As to your father, if you ever valued Walter, I charge you, even as you now value his life, that you give hint to no human being of his existence. I am sure you will keep my secret; strange as may seem the request, still you will grant it." "Yet surely, Walter, you may confide in one who sorrowed for her playmate, with a lengthened and deep grief; but--" she slowly added, observing the altered expression of his countenance, "remember, I can only be to you a friend." The words were uttered in a tone not to be misconceived. The Cavalier understood and felt it.