"To be serious then, Roland; Aunt Matilda has some peculiar notions about these matters; and since I have not pleased her altogether in my choice, I think it is due to her to consult her wishes in this one thing--she would never hear to any thing else, I know." "Well, then! be it so--two months from to-day; that is the decision." The spirit of mischief returned. "Don't you pity the poor thing, with the proud spirit, giving herself away to such a grand Mogul, with all his strict notions of right and wrong? I am afraid that she will beat her wings against the bars of her cage." "Do you really fear the bonds of matrimony, Madeline?" "With you, dearest? no--you may lead me where you will; for I know that it will always be in paths of holiness and love." "Here then is the token of our union!" and Roland placed upon her finger the ring of betrothal, and then kissed the dear hand that lay so confidingly clasped in his. "Now, Madeline, I have something to show you; it is too dark to read it now, but I can tell you what it is. I want you only--Madeline, without her dowry; she only is the object of my love. I have drawn up this document, in which all your estate is secured to yourself forever; so that I can be wholly cleared from any suspicions of sordid motives--your wealth has always been a drawback, and long withheld me from seeking your hand." "And do you think, Roland Bruce, that I would marry a man whom I could not trust with everything that is mine? What! separate interests between man and wife! are we not one, Roland? one in love, in hope, in pursuits, one in the hopes of a better world; and shall we not be one in all things pertaining to this mortal life? No, Roland--what is mine, is yours--yours to direct, to manage, to control--we are one in all things, Roland, I will hear to nothing else; I do not want to read that paper; I am blushing while I think of it." Roland was silent a moment, from the depth of his emotions. "Your confidence shall never be abused, my own precious Madeline; we will try to use these gifts as stewards for our Master, and I feel assured that he will bless us." The return home was full of sweet reflections; for amid the music that swelled, and then died away from passing pleasure boats, there came a voice over the quiet waters, which pronounced them "blessed," and they heard its blissful whispers. We will leave them to this hour that comes but once in mortal life; and will not anticipate the discipline that must purge away the remaining dross of imperfect human character, until presented faultless before the throne of God. * * * * * * *