life's ocean.'
'Aye, Bernard, the one, a torn and shattered wreck, cast helpless on the desolate shores of sorrow and despair; the other, strong and uninjured, floating away to new and pleasant places, with only the shadow of a sad memory following it.'
'Too true, Minny, too true! alas for the restless impulses of my misguided spirit. Alas for the trusting hopefulness of thine. But, Minny, as I stand before you now, with my whole heart open to your sight, I can most truly declare, that my love for Della is all that you would have it. She is trusting and innocent. I will never blight the one, or betray the other. I will hold her to my strong heart as some tender flower, which needs protection from a wintry blast, and from the world's cold breath; I will shield and guard, and cherish her with my life. God help me so to do!'
'Amen, Bernard, amen!'
'Minny, are you satisfied?'
'Yes! my heart trusts you once again. Even more hopeful for its trust for another, than even for itself.'
'Bless you, Minny; and now 'tis time your anxious heart found rest. I will see you safe to your own gate, and then good-night.'
Minny suffered Wilkins to draw her hand within his arm, and lead her forth once more beneath the starry skies. They walked on silently, each engrossed with their own reflections, with only the occasional interruption of the watchman, or the rattle of some noisy vehicle, hastening along the stony streets. Minny at last stopped at the entrance of the vacant court, leading to the secret garden door. As she was about to withdraw her hand from his arm, Wilkins retained it, firmly, yet respectfully, in his own.
'I have been thinking, Minny, more deeply than I ever thought before, of the great wrong which I have done you. The time may never come again when we shall meet as to-night we've met, and before we part, I must hear your lips pronounce my forgiveness.'
'From the bottom of my heart, Bernard, I forgive you all that you may ever have done to me; either in word, or thought, or deed.'
'I have been a wretch, Minny.'
'But,' continued the girl, without heeding the interruption, and speaking in an earnest, thrilling tone, 'by the Heaven that is above us both, Bernard, I here swear, that if you are ever cold or cruel to the new bride you are winning, as true as there's a heart in my bosom, I will be her avenger-mark my words; though I should have to follow you to the ends of the earth, that revenge shall be mine.'
A moment of silence ensued, and Minny stood like a breathing statue of retribution, with her glittering eyes fixed upon the face before her.
'Ah, Minny, the chill breath of desertion and sorrow has extinguished the last spark of affection which once glowed in your breast for me, or you could never speak thus. But fear not; your young mistress shall be to me as the apple of my eye, even as the core of my heart.'
'Enough, enough. Good-night.'
'Stay, Minny; can you learn to think of me kindly; and, in coming days, to witness my affection for another unshrinkingly?'
'I have already learned to do so.'
'And you will not let these gloomy visions of the past rise up between you and the far-off stars?'
'Never again, never again.'
He pressed the trembling hand he held between his own, and touched it to his lips.
It was drawn quickly from him; a stifled sob fell upon his ear, and he stood alone.
Slowly he turned his steps homewards, and with every echo of his solitary footfall, with every sob of the passing night-wind, came back upon his troubled heart, with thrilling sadness, Minny's last mournful words, 'Never again, never again!'
Again he reached the store, and the lock, obedient to the ponderous key, turned noiselessly, and Wilkins entered. It was dark and gloomy, and a chill passed over him as he fastened the door, and groped his way along between the deserted counters. The scene through which he had just passed had called up bitter and unpleasant memories, and there came over him a sense of lonely desolation, such as he could not endure to experience. He stopped a moment as he reached the high desk, and stood there, silent and thoughtful.
'I will go to him,' he muttered; 'there is something holy in his presence, which will make me happier.'
With cautious steps he mounted the winding stairs, and sought the room where Guly lay. The moment he approached the bedside, the boy started from his restless pillow.
'Arthur, is it you?'
'It is me, Guly,' returned Wilkins, in a low voice.
'You! and you come without him?'
'I come alone, Guly.'
'And has anything happened-oh! do not keep it from me! Is Arthur hurt? What brings you here, Wilkins, if it is not that?'
'I came here, Guly, with my own troubled heart, to look upon you as you slept, and to go away happier. I have no news, either good or bad, of poor Arthur.'
Guly was silent a moment, then taking Wilkins' hand, he said:-
'I cannot tell you how much I thank you for the long and dreary walk you have taken for my sake. Some day I hope to be able to repay your kindness.'
'Don't mention it, Guly; a mere trifle.'
'It was a great deal to me; and now, Wilkins, would you just as soon lie down by me as to sleep in your own bed? It must be nearly morning, but this is a gloomy place to lie in alone, with only a troubled heart for company.'
'True, Guly; I will be with you in a moment.'
They lay down together, and soon slept, side by side, exhausted by watching and weariness; and the boy's fair head was pillowed on the man's breast, rising and falling there like a golden shield, resting on the bounding heart, 'keeping the evil out.'
CHAPTER XXI.
Arthur was at his place in the morning, almost as soon as Jeff opened the door. His face was pale and haggard, and wore upon it a look of unbroken gloom, and his eye wandered restlessly, as if dreading to meet another's gaze. He had arrived at his post so early, however, that no clerks were yet in the store, and for some time his only companion was the busy negro.
'Jeff,' said he, at last, in a hesitating tone.
'Yes, massa, I'se here, sah.'
'Did you sleep here behind the store-door last night, as usual?'
'Yes, massa, ob course.'
