“‘A thousand pardons, dear Clare!’ she said, embracing her. ‘I could not sleep—you seem so changed of late, I fear you are unwell, and wish to conceal it from both your father and me! Oh, Clare, if you only knew how much I love you—how your father idolizes, and every one doats upon you—I’m sure you would be more happy.’ (No response). ‘Come, Clare, my dear, dear cousin, tell me what it is. There is nothing in the world that is too good for you; all that wealth and affection can do is already yours, and yet you, to whom the best and wealthiest have bowed and begged—you, my cousin, who are the idol of all—you who should be the happiest of all—you, dear Clare, seem unhappy—sorrow is gnawing at your heart; make me your confidante, darling, tell me all!’ “Clare spoke not, but smiling at the downcast eyes of her cousin, kissed her on the forehead, and soon retired to rest. “‘Tell me nothing!’ thought Lady Emma, when in her own room, pondering; ‘yet it _cannot_ be; but if it _should_ be so—oh, poor, poor Clare! Heaven forgive me. I would not thwart you, my cousin, for all the world.’ “Lady Emma remained long awake, revolving all manner of schemes to enliven her cousin, but the same expression came repeatedly to her lips, ‘If it should be! Poor cousin, poor Clare!’ “And even _her_ strong nature bent under some secret mental weight, and tear-drops flowed freely upon her weary pillow. “The dark and lofty college tower visited Clare in dreams. “She once more strolled through its grand quadrangle, and saw the students march, with band and banner. “She walked in its vineyards and orchards, amid fruit and flowers. “And then her footsteps strayed into a grassy court, with fountains rising and falling, and splashing in the quiet of a summer afternoon, and there saw, sitting at his window, a handsome, book-worn youth, with desk and pen, absorbed in study. “A faint smile for an instant lit up her marble features, and she sighed. “Her lips murmured inarticulate sounds, and she moved restlessly, unconsciously throwing the spotless covering from her heaving bosom, on which reposed a tiny gem of jet, resting as if set in alabaster. “But, while thus wrapt in sleep, there was an unhappy and restless one pacing, with measured step, in his lonely college chambers, whose mind was tossed with pain and constant thought. “He had passed all examinations with honour, and now only awaited his degree to go forth into the world to strive for wealth and fame. “His room was small, and scantily furnished. “No signs of luxury were there. “Books and papers lay scattered about; a small study lamp shed its light upon a worm-eaten desk; an old oak chest stood open in the corner. “A violin, pistols, belt, and sword hung from a rack in the wall.