Go to thy own chamber now, and in prayer and meditation gain strength for to-morrow's trial.

Whatever I may hear, so it be not meditated and unrepented guilt, (which I know it cannot be,) I will forgive, and love thee still.

The holy saints bless and keep thee, my fair child!" And as Marie bent to salute the kind hand extended to her, Isabella drew her towards her, and fondly kissed her cheek.

The unexpected caress, or some other secret feeling, subdued the overwrought energy at once; and for the first time since her husband's death, Marie burst into natural tears.

But her purpose changed not; though Isabella's gentle and affectionate soothing rendered it tenfold more painful to accomplish..