Tea was long over when they reached home, but they wanted no supper; and Aunt Matilda was out of patience at the monosyllables which she received as answers, for both seemed wholly engrossed with each other. "Let us go to the library," whispered Madeline; and as they stood before the portrait of her father it seemed to look upon them, with all the benignity of expression that dwelt upon the face of Mr. Hamilton. "It smiles upon us, Roland! does it not? I know my dear father too well not to be assured that he would bless us; let us kneel before his picture;" and as they bowed solemnly in the library, Roland poured out his heart in earnest, fervent prayer, for God's choicest blessings upon them both. After an evening spent in happy converse, the hour of separation came too soon. "Let us listen to the Eolian to-night, Roland;" and Madeline led him to the stair-case; standing there together, it discoursed soft, sweet strains, for the evening was balmy and pleasant, and the wind fanned gentle breezes among the foliage of Woodcliff. "How soft! how sweet, Roland, the harp is to-night! it seems to breathe only of happiness and peace; sometimes it has been so wild, so sad, when I have been in trouble! I wonder if it does not just echo the voice within." "Doubtless it is so, Madeline; to-night the serenade is very sweet; if the fairies play among the strings, they must know all about us, dear." "It is a pretty fancy, and cannot harm us, Roland; I don't believe it, you know; but then there are many things I don't believe which it is pleasant to think about." "You must be careful, dear, in these flights of fancy, that they do not depart from truth." "Well then, Roland, we will banish the fairies, though they were long the friends of my childhood, and substitute the good, real angels, and think that the sweet music is mingled with theirs." "Good-night, Madeline, may they guard your slumbers;" and Roland clasped the little hand fondly, and impressed the kiss of pure affection upon the fair young brow. Madeline's dreams were pure and holy that night, for was she not the chosen companion of the man whom she most loved and honored on earth? Next morning, she acquainted her aunt with what had taken place. She was not surprised, but deeply disappointed. "I cannot understand you, Madeline, to reject such a man as Lord N----, and to choose one so low-born, so obscure as Roland Bruce; but you must have your own way; you were always a wilful child!" "You will learn to think differently some day, aunty; when you know Roland, you will find out true nobility." "Next Sunday will be our communion day, Roland; you will stay, can't you?" said Madeline. "I will try; by writing a few lines, I can be spared that long." There were but few as yet gathered into that little fold; but it was a blessed hour, when the two bowed together at the table of their Master, and consecrated their united lives to his holy service.