Ireland, who had resided so long in the same village that if they had given themselves out to be Adam and Eve, there was no one alive to contradict then. We are almost in the same condition. While, then, these rocks shall frown and that stream shall flow, my name, humble as it may be, is assured of its earthly immortality. The future Poet, whom the spirit of the Church and these divine scenes shall inspire with strains that shall blend the music of earth with the higher notes of heaven, will not omit my name from his pictures, when he paints my beloved DUDDON in colours which shall last for ever; and who knows but some more lowly historian, smit with the love of my most humble but sincere service to my MASTER, shall hold up my name as a watchword to the fire-side of the quiet cottager; and teach the farmer at his plough, and the weaver at his loom, to call to mind my history; recommending to their sons patience, and perseverance, and piety, by the example (oh, how weak, feeble, and failing!) of Robert Walker!’ “The old man had risen from his chair, and paced the room with rapid strides as he gave utterance to the last sentences of this prophetic vision of his future history; and it was some time before his eye, which was sparkling with pious gratitude to GOD for all His blessings, caught that of the stranger, as it was fixed on him with the expression of a cold and quiet sneer. His countenance immediately changed, and he coloured slightly at having thus exposed himself, in his open-heartedness, to the charge of a vanity, which was surely, in this case, of a most pardonable nature. ‘Sir,’ said he, ‘I have become a fool in glorying—you have compelled me. I have shown you that, on your own selfish principles, I have indeed much to be thankful for. But we must bring this matter to a close. I look for a promise from you, which you must see it would be useless to withhold, that you will vex this quiet district no longer with your presence.’ “‘I go,’ said he, ‘father; but I go not alone! You, and this simple youth shall know that there is at least _one_ heart here which sympathizes with my feelings, and will not shrink from sharing my fortunes. Love, father, is stronger than’— “‘I RENOUNCE HIM!’ exclaimed poor Martha, rushing forward from behind the screen under which she had been sheltered during this remarkable conversation, and standing erect in the middle of the room with her eye boldly fixed on the face of the wondering stranger—‘I renounce him, now and for ever! Oh Frederick!’ “I shall never forget her expression at that moment. ‘Father,’ she continued, ‘I love him’— “‘_Loved_ him, you would say, my child.’ “‘Nay, father, _love_ him still dearly, and will for ever love him!’ “‘Then fly with me,’ said the stranger, ‘to a land less inhospitable than this’— “‘No, Frederick! that cannot, _shall_ not be. At my baptism I was married to Another, and with one who has stained his baptismal robes will I _never_ be united!’