'Yes,' said he, with an half-suppressed sigh, 'the memory of those we love--of times for ever past! in such an hour as this steals upon the mind, like a strain of distant music in the stillness of night;--all tender and harmonious as this landscape, sleeping in the mellow moon-light.' After the pause of a moment, St.Aubert added, 'I have always fancied, that I thought with more clearness, and precision, at such an hour than at any other, and that heart must be insensible in a great degree, that does not soften to its influence.

But many such there are.' Valancourt sighed.
'Are there, indeed, many such ?' said Emily.
'A few years hence, my Emily,' replied St.Aubert, 'and you may smile at the recollection of that question--if you do not weep to it.

But come, I am somewhat refreshed, let us proceed.' Having emerged from the woods, they saw, upon a turfy hillock above, the convent of which they were in search.

A high wall, that surrounded it, led them to an ancient gate, at which they knocked; and the poor monk, who opened it, conducted them into a small adjoining room, where he desired they would wait while he informed the superior of their request.
In this interval, several friars came in separately to look at them; and at length the first monk returned, and they followed him to a room, where the superior was sitting in an arm-chair, with a large folio volume, printed in black letter, open on a desk before him.

He received them with courtesy, though he did not rise from his seat; and, having asked them a few questions, granted their request.