The shutters to the large oriel window of the room in which the squire usually sat were still unclosed, and the steady and warm light of the apartment shone forth, casting a glow even to the smooth waters of the river; at the same moment, too, the friendly bark of the house-dog was heard, as in welcome; and was followed by the note of the great bell, announcing the hour for the last meal of the old-fashioned and hospitable family.
"There is a pleasure in this," said the stranger, unconsciously, and with a half-sigh; "I wish I had a home!" "And have you not a home ?" said Lucy, with naivety.

"As much as a bachelor can have, perhaps," answered Clifford, recovering without an effort his gayety and self-possession.

"But you know we wanderers are not allowed the same boast as the more fortunate Benedicts; we send our hearts in search of a home, and we lose the one without gaining the other.

But I keep you in the cold, and we are now at your door." "You will come in, of course!" said Miss Brandon, "and partake of our evening cheer." The stranger hesitated for an instant, and then said in a quick tone,-- "No! many, many thanks; it is already late.

Will Miss Brandon accept my gratitude for her condescension in permitting the attendance of one unknown to her ?" As he thus spoke, Clifford bowed profoundly over the hand of his beautiful charge; and Lucy, wishing him good-night, hastened with a light step to her father's side.
Meanwhile Clifford, after lingering a minute, when the door was closed on him, turned abruptly away; and muttering to himself, repaired with rapid steps to whatever object he had then in view..