Almost unconsciously they listened, and became aware of some sounds in the distance, but so faint and indefinable as to permit them to rest in the belief that it must be the men-at-arms hurrying from the keep to the walls, although they were certain the trumpet had not yet sounded.

Determined not to heed such vague sounds, they looked again to the altar.

The abbot had laid a trembling hand on either low-bent head, and was emphatically pronouncing his blessing on their vows, calling on heaven in its mercy to bless and keep them, and spare them to each other for a long and happy life; or if it must be that a union commenced in danger should end in sorrow, to keep them still, and fit them for a union in eternity.

His words were few but earnest, and for the first time the lip of Agnes was observed to quiver--they were ONE.

Agnes was clasped to the heart of her husband; she heard him call her his own--his wife--that man should never part them more.