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betrayer of confidence; and may not these silvered hairs, this grisly beard, flowing even to the magic girdle bequeathed by the sage of Ercildoun—may they not dispel thy fears? Compose thy astonished mind, and know, that though in visible form I never beheld thy countenance, each beauteous feature is familiar to my admiration. I must speak with thee in private. Thy own safety urges the interview."

He took a lamp. Dulsibella opened an anti-room. Having both entered, the majestic seer closed the door, saying, "Are we overheard? You have attempted one imposition, lady. It was harmless. But now to deceive me must injure yourself."

Dulsibella assured him they had no auditor. He took a packet from his bosom, and while, with every varying shade of complexion, answering to her perplexing state of mind, the lady watched his motions, he untied several silken strings and produced a letter.

"Lady," he resumed, "know you the handwriting of the Earl of Murray?"

"I know it well. His Lordship's correspondence with my grandmother, the late Baroness, was by her often placed in my hands."

"My mission further authorizes me to inquire—do you prize liberty of conscience? Would you desire to avoid the sacred vows of marriage to a Roman Catholic? Pardon my