over cheek and brow as she laid her hand in his, and found herself at once imprisoned in his arms.

"God bless you, Nellie, my own Nellie," he fondly murmured, pressing his lips to her forehead; "ever shall it be my blissful lot to guard this precious gift— life will, indeed, be sweet to me now, with thee ever at my side, my beautiful, my long-loved one."

And so they were betrothed-beneath the shade of the great forest oak, whose waving branches seemed to nod approvingly above their heads-while, in jubilant songs, the wild birds caroled forth their sweetest notes, as if to bear to heaven the joyful news.

What more fitting temple in which to consecrate their new-born hopes and joys! There, amidst the scenes of her infancy and childhood; there, where first to her opening mind came visions strange and wild, of the world away in the dim, distant horizon; there, where first the mystery of life began to unvail before her, the mountain girl plighted her simple faith to her noble lover. Alone, upon the green sward, with the broad blue canopy of heaven above them, and myriads of nature's voices filling the air with their peans of praise, they knelt for heaven's blessing upon their troth Who can doubt that as the bright swift-winged messengers bore aloft those pure vows, their holy incense reached the Throne, shedding a brighter glow upon the recording pen!

"Take her, Mr. Murray-she has been my all on

earth-the comfort and joy of my heart-the ministering angel of my declining years. Take her, for well do you deserve the priceless gift I now so gladly intrust to your keeping—take her, with a mother's warmest prayers for your happiness, and may the blessing of Him, who hath tenderly led me through life's dark mysterious ways to the verge of a new and glorious existence, rest upon you, my children."

As Esther Cram ceased speaking, a bright ray of sunlight fell across the bowed heads upon which her wasted hands were laid, as though Heaven would set its own effulgent seal to the solemn compact.

CHAPTER XXV.

"LET me take my slumber, then,
Far from haunts of busy men,
In a spot as fair as this,
Where the playful breezes kiss
Early blossoms, fragrant flowers.

Let me in such quiet bowers
Find at last my resting-place.
Flesh to grave, and soul to grace!

'Mid such peaceful Sabbath reigning,

'Mid such melancholy plaining
Of sweet birds above my head,

Would I tarry when I'm dead."

Ar last the summons came. Borne by the soft breath of the evening zephyr to the waiting, longing soul came the spirit's call. Unheard by mortal ear, the voiceless message fell in clear, distinct tones upon the dying woman's heart: "Thy Master calls thee home." No terror shook her frame, no fear dimmed her eye; but with a calm and trustful smile, she grasped the hand stretched forth to lead her through the dark valley. Death and the grave! where their victory and sting? Swallowed up, forgotten, in the dazzling radiance which gleamed from a Father's throne across the turbid waters of the fearful stream.

A few last sunset rays lingered around the littl mountain home, shedding their crimson hue upon th pallid face where death had set his seal, as if to plum the immortal spirit for its flight.

"See you this heavenly token,” murmured the dying woman, casting a loving glance upon the tearful group around her bed; "thus shall my soul forever bask in immortal light and glory. Soon shall the portals of my shining home open to receive the weary, returning pro digal; soon shall I hear my Father's voice welcoming me to the joy of my Lord! Oh! what are the few flecting years of our life-its petty cares and sorrows its best and highest joys-compared with the bliss of an eternity? Nellie, my darling one, my sole earthly blessing, ever remember this hour; should grief and sorrow rend your heart-should the world's cold breat seem to congeal your very soul, as it often has mind think of your mother's last words—your mother, wh has drank deeply the bitter dregs of sorrow, whose life sun arose in brightness, yet became blackened by darl despair, till the cloud was pierced by celestial light, and which now sinks forever to its rest, amidst the effulgen glories of a new, eternal dawn.”

"Bless me, mother, oh! bless me, ere you go," sob bed the grief-stricken girl, throwing herself upon he knees by the bedside of the dying one, who had sun back exhausted upon her pillow.

With a smile of unutterable love, Esther Cram slowl moved her nerveless hand, damp with the cold dews o

and laying it upon those raven tresses, she softly red: "To thee, O Father, in whose presence hortly stand, to the infinite love and holy care e ministering spirits whom thou dost send to nd protect from evil thy chosen ones, do I comny orphan child. Lead her gently on through e of tears, ever shielding her from temptation and at last gather her with the ransomed ones thy throne.

ssings rest upon thee, my child! such blessings en alone can give. May the God of the fatherthy portion and trust; may thy young heart blighted by grief or woe; may life be to thee and joyful, and death a triumphant entrance to bliss! With my last breath will I bless thee, my precious one; and with thee, him also whom ovest. Come hither, my son, that I may look hy face once more ere I sleep forever. 'Tis a trust I leave with thee; guard it well, and t last the Lord shall make up his jewels, let thine nd undimmed within the holy casket. Take now ad in thine, and here, in the solemn presence of promise anew to cherish her through life with nd tenderness. Let her soul's welfare be your t care, and whatever your lot, share it in peace ve, never forgetting the glorious inheritance for you live."

the slowly uttered, half-whispered words had , Augustus Murray knelt beside Nellie, and clasp