CHAPTER XI.
THERE stands the Messenger of Truth--there stands The Legate of the skies .-- COWPER.
FROM that night Lumley found no opportunity for private conversation with Evelyn; she evidently shunned to meet with him alone.

She was ever with her mother or Mrs.Leslie or the good curate, who spent much of his time at the cottage; for the old man had neither wife nor children, he was alone at home, he had learned to make his home with the widow and her daughter.

With them he was an object of the tenderest affection, of the deepest veneration.

Their love delighted him, and he returned it with the fondness of a parent and the benevolence of a pastor.

He was a rare character, that village priest! Born of humble parentage, Edward Aubrey had early displayed abilities which attracted the notice of a wealthy proprietor, who was not displeased to affect the patron.