I have never offended him; he is, indeed, a harsh and cruel man, one whom I would gladly shun, but the father of Mary.

Oh, let us seek him, for her sake we will plead; he will wake from his dream, he will know he has been in error.

Oh, my father, let us go.

She may yet be saved to live and bless me." He sunk back on the sofa, and burst into tears.

Hope had suddenly sprung up from the dark void which had been in his heart.