can write you word, that I am safely on board the vessel?" "Most certainly," said Antonia. "Believe what real pleasure it will give me to convey such tidings. And now, good-bye," said she, forcing a smile, and gently withdrawing her hand; "I pray God that I may hear you have safely surmounted all danger." "God bless and reward you, Miss Lyndsey," he returned, in an agitated voice; and he would have added more, but Antonia, unwilling to try his feelings or her own, suddenly quitted the hermitage. Sidney watched her as she crossed the little bridge and ascended the rude path. She turned and waved her hand, either as the expression of her last farewell, or as a signal that he should retire again into the hermitage, but she paused not; the next moment a projecting rock hid her from his sight. "Oh! must they then henceforth remain Divided in their joys and pain; Rather let parting have a joy, THE few succeeding hours were passed by Antonia in a state of agitation difficult to describe. All was done; she had only to await the issue, a most difficult task to an active mind. Frederick endeavoured to cheer her by assurances that all would go well. Proud of the confidence reposed in him, and enjoying the enterprise of the scheme, he felt no scruples, and would acknowledge no danger; but Antonia was really more aware of the difficulties, and less sanguine of success, and she could hardly repress her agitation. She therefore made an early retreat to her apartment, where, unobserved, she could pray, and hope, and think. The hour of midnight struck, and all was hushed within the mansion of Sleyton Court. A distant shout from the revellers in the village was occasionally heard, but otherwise a profound stillness reigned around. Frederick slid from his window, which was on the ground floor, holding in his hand a good oak cudgel, which he promised himself to use should an occasion arise. He proceeded with cautious steps over the well-known ground, and soon gained the entrance to Purline Glen. A figure was watching on the spot where he had appointed to meet Sidney, who, on his appearance, shrunk back into the thick underwood which skirted the glen. This was the signal agreed upon, and Frederick soon joined Mr Berenger, whose impatience had long kept him waiting at the appointed place. The two friends walked silently side by side till they came close to Sleyton Court, which they were obliged to pass before they could gain the public road. Sidney stopped, and fixing his eyes on a glimmering light which still shone in one of the casement windows, exclaimed, "Is not that your cousin's apartment? may I not believe she now watches and prays for my safety?" Frederick smiled as he replied, "Poor Antonia! she could not sleep on such an anxious night as this, but she promised only to sit up till I returned and could give her a favourable account of my mission." Once more they relapsed into silence. Frederick |