We reached a ford: it was the crossing-place. The house, for which her visit was designed, stood not far off, on the other side; and I must needs leave her. Emboldened by what had passed, I caught hold of that little hand. It was a rare liberty; but I was no longer master of myself. There was no resistance; but I could perceive that the tiny fingers trembled at my touch. The old horse, with provoking impatience, plunged into the stream; and we were parted. I watched her while crossing the creek. The crystal drops sparkled like pearls upon her naked feet. Some of them, dashed higher by the hoofs of the horse, were sprinkled upon her cheek, and clung to the carmined skin as if kissing it! I envied those diamond drops! Lingering upon the bank, I gazed upon her receding form--with my eyes, followed it through the forest aisle; and then, saw it only at intervals--moving like some bright meteor among the trees--until by a sudden turning in the path, it was taken from my sight. CHAPTER TWENTY. SWEET AND BITTER. Slowly and reluctantly, I turned back from the stream, and once more entered amid the wreck of the hurricane. Along the sunny path, the flowers appeared to sparkle with a fresher brilliancy--imbuing the air with sweet odours, wafted from many a perfumed chalice. The birds sang with clearer melody; and the hum of the honey-bee rang through the glades more harmoniously than ever. The "_coo-coo-oo_" of the doves blending with the love-call of the squirrel, betokened that both were inspired by the tenderest of passions. "Pensando de amor," as the Spanish phrase finely expresses it; for at that moment, the beautiful words of the southern poet were in my thoughts, and upon my lips: Aunque las fieras En sus guaridas Enternecidas Pensan de amor! Even the fierce beasts in their forest lairs become gentle under the influence of this all-pervading passion! I rode on slowly and in silence--my whole soul absorbed in the contemplation of that fair being, whose image seemed still before my eyes--palpable as if present. My heart quivered under the influence of a gentle joy. The past appeared bright; the present, happiness itself; the future, full of hope. I had found the very "wilderness-home" of my longings; the fair spirit that should be my minister! No doubt rose before my mind to dim the brilliant prospect before me--no shadow hung over the horizon of my hopes. The prospect before me appeared bright and sunny as the sky above my head. Within and without the world was smiling--all nature seemed tinted with the hue of the rose! This delightful reverie lasted for a time--alas! too short a time--only while I was traversing the track, that, but the moment before, I had passed over in such pleasant companionship.