THE maiden's thoughts were yet bewildered, and her heart beating tumultuously, when her quick ears caught the sound of other footsteps than those to whose retreating echoes she had been so intently listening.

Hastily retreating into the summer-house, she crouched low upon one of the seats, in order, if possible, to escape observation.

But nearer and nearer came the slow, heavy foot-fall of a man, and ere she had time to repress, by a strong effort, the agitation that made itself visible in every feature, Mr.Allison was in her presence.

It was impossible for her to restrain an exclamation of surprise, or to drive back the crimson from her flushing face.
"Pardon the intrusion," said the old gentleman, in his usual mild tone.

"If I had known that you were here, I would not have disturbed your pleasant reveries." Some moments elapsed, ere Fanny could venture a reply.