We have, hitherto, been fortunate in all our undertakings; but there must come an evil day, which generally arrives when one is least prepared." "It is too true," said his companion; "for me, I thought all my misfortunes were past, and death alone could be the ill left to reach me.

I have, of late, felt it _would_ be an ill since I have lived again in you and yours--before that time, I prayed for it in vain." A furious gust of wind at this instant swept past them, their frail vessel shook in every timber, and, mounting on a sweeping wave that came howling along, was sent forward with frightful impetuosity to a great distance; when, as if the angry billow disdained its weight, it was precipitated into a gulf of foam which dashed above the sunken rocks whose points received it.

"Oh, Beatrix!" exclaimed the young fisherman; "it is all over; we shall meet no more; our fate has overtaken us at last! My friend," he added, grasping the arm of his companion; "if you survive, promise to protect her.

We have suffered much, and borne our fortune as we could.

I have brought this wretchedness upon her by my love; but neither she nor I have ever repented the lot we chose.