"I think not; she is simple-hearted, truthful as a child, above all that is sordid, or worldly; but they may spoil her here in London." Malcolm read at once the whole of Roland's secret. "Ye could keep up intercourse wi' Miss Hamilton if ye please, Roland?" "I think I could, Uncle Malcolm; but I would not tempt her from the path of duty." Malcolm Graham smiled, a bright and happy smile; for in the future, he saw a path so high! so blessed for his dear young protégé. "Looking aloft!" in the right sense thought Malcolm, "and God will take care o' his interests, for time and eternity." "Roland, my boy, trust in God; for he will make a' things work together for your good. Seek first the kingdom o' God and his righteousness, and a' these things shall be added unto ye; all _these_ things, Roland--whatever is for your real good." CHAPTER XXIV. WINGS CLIPPED THAT HAD COMMENCED TO SOAR. Madeline is in a new atmosphere; silken fetters bind her feet, and amid the novelty of scenes so different from those at home, gradually the world acquires an ascendancy over her young heart, which almost ceases to converse with itself. Her journal has long been laid aside; but one very rainy day she opens its pages, and contrasts her present state with the past. Madeline is humbled; taking up her pen, she resumes a record of past events and emotions. She made her entries for only a few weeks after her arrival. "London, May 10th.--What a new world surrounds me! Ah, so novel, so different from New York! I am in a constant whirl of excitement, with scarcely time for thought. We have brought letters of introduction from Mr. Leighton and Mr. Trevor to the American minister, which bring us at once within the pale of London life among the haut-ton. Aunt Matilda is delighted; quite in her element; papa pleased because we are, but he looks very pale and languid. * * * * * * * "Yesterday was the great day; I was presented to the Queen by the American minister. I wanted to see Queen Victoria, because she is a rare example of a good wife and mother in a royal circle. It was a magnificent scene; such a crowd of well-developed, rosy young ladies; such splendid dressing, high-breeding, and courtly grace, I have never before seen! I understand now something about the rich glow of English beauty; but the Queen interested me most. She is not handsome, but there was a benevolent glow upon her face when she addressed me personally, and said some kind things about my country. I could have kissed her hand, but I suppose that would not have been courtly etiquette, and so I had to content myself with performing the difficult ceremony of bowing out backwards; I did not fall, and that is all I can say about the manner. * * * * * * * "I am busy in returning calls, visiting dress-makers, &c., for we are invited to a ball at the Duke of D----'s. I wonder if I ought to go, and leave papa; Aunt Matilda insists, and papa wishes it; it will take place next week.