It was terrible to imagine what hideous outrage might have thrust her into that abyss! Then the lover tried to comfort himself with the idea that Hilda's sanctity was a sufficient safeguard.

Ah, yes; she was so pure! The angels, that were of the same sisterhood, would never let Hilda come to harm.

A miracle would be wrought on her behalf, as naturally as a father would stretch out his hand to save a best-beloved child.

Providence would keep a little area and atmosphere about her as safe and wholesome as heaven itself, although the flood of perilous iniquity might hem her round, and its black waves hang curling above her head! But these reflections were of slight avail.

No doubt they were the religious truth.