Peace to thee." Esther saw her disappear down the steps, when, putting her hands over her face, she burst into tears so they ran scalding through her fingers--tears of shame and choking passion.

And, to deepen the paroxysm to her even temper so strange, up with a new meaning of withering force rose her father's words--"Thy love might not have been vainly given had I kept fast hold of all I had, as I might have done." And all the stars were out, burning low above the city and the dark wall of mountains about it, before she recovered enough to go back to the summer-house, and in silence take her accustomed place at her father's side, humbly waiting his pleasure.

To such duty it seemed her youth, if not her life, must be given.

And, let the truth be said, now that the pang was spent, she went not unwillingly back to the duty..