patient fainted several times during the operation; but when the splints were on, he began to bear the pain better.

The surgeon immediately turned his attention to the other robber. His wound was not so severe as his companion's. When his duty had been fully performed-if saving a man who is ripe for the gallows can be called a duty-he said to the tavernkeeper:

"It will be necessary that I come for some time; you must expect me at 4 o'clock each day, until I give you further notice. If anything happens, you must leave the signal on the pine stump."

"All right! Doctor, you're a trump, and no mistake. Here's a little roll for you, which, in this cause, goes as easy and a little freer than it kum. No questions answered, doctor; mum's the word; and we shall be mutu❜ly profitable."

The doctor counted over the money.

"One hundred," said he; "it's more than I want." "Keep it! keep it! and there's another ready for you whin thim pashunts is konvaleesunt."

XIII.

Bell hates the Rain, but finally has no objections to it—Miss Blackwood's party.

"Ir rains, Bell!"

"I wish it poured, Fred.”

"Why, Bell? To-night is the party." “ And to-night, I say, may it pour!"

"You would have to send a regret, if that wish is granted."

"I would do so without a regret."

"Then I say, with regret, send it any way, Bell." "I can't."

"Can't? I would just like to know who has driven the smiles from my Bell, that's all !”

"Fred, please sit down here."

"With the greatest pleasure," said he, first imprinting a kiss upon his sister's forehead.

it, Bell? I am all attention."

"What is

"Mr. Mordaunt wants to take me away from my brother."

"And what for?"

"To make me a wife."

"Whew!" said Fred. "Not with my consent!" "Good!" said Bell.

"Why good? Pshaw! that spoils all the romance. I thought I had got to have a fight, or something of

that kind, to keep you single. But seriously, Bell, you decide correctly. Mordaunt is a cold schemer. If you are ever so silly as to commit matrimony, you must have a heart. He has splendid talents, but you would fade in a few years as his wife."

"Fred, I fear him."

"Fear him! why? Send him about his business, and remember you have a brother Frederick. Bell, I must go and dress up."

"The cold schemer, Fred, may prove a deep villain !"

"Forewarned, you are forearmed."

"But father likes him, and mother has taken up his cause; either having been spoken to by him, or having divined herself my secret."

"The former, most likely, Bell. That would never be like mother. She is not one to look out in advance for such nonsense. Kiss me, Bell; and then go and send him about his business. He is now waiting for you in our parlor."

me,

"I will do so; but promise, Fred, never to forsake if that business proves to be my persecution." "A promise as easily kept as it is solemnly made; for I assure you, Bell, my heart is against him."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Mordaunt," said Bell, entering the parlor.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mortimer," replied Mordaunt, with his most winning smile. "This rainstorm is likely to dampen the ardor of the partygoers."

"Do you think it will continue, sir?"

"I cannot say, not being weather-wise. Is it your wish, Miss Mortimer, that it abate ?”

"If my reply were based upon selfishness, it would be, No, sir!"

"Do you not desire, then, to incur the trouble of this evening's entertainment? It would give me great pleasure to spend the time in endeavoring to bring back your smiles. I fear, Miss Mortimer, you have not been happy since our interview upon Goat Island. You are not alone in this absence of peace of mind. The thought that I have given you one moment of pain; and the fear that the gentle being I have learned to love, may banish forever, from her presence and from happiness, one whose life's ardent devotion is offered for her acceptance

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"Ah! Bell, are you here? And Mr. Mordaunt, too? Capital! Now I will send for Clara, and music shall teach us the truth, so beautifully embodied in that inimitable line of Longfellow,

'Behind the cloud is the sun still shining.'

I would rather be the author of Longfellow's 'Rainy Day,' Mr. Mordaunt, than wake up an heir to a fortune. I will go for Clara

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"No, aunt," interrupted Bell: "that duty will be my pleasure. I pronounce you 'Speaker of the House,' and this arm-chair is appointed for you to fill."

Gently forcing Mrs. Edgemonte into the seat, Bell left the room and called Clara. Song now followed song. Bell's spirits seemed suddenly to have taken a new turn. Mordaunt for once was at fault in his judgment of motives. He pictured to himself Bell won. His spirits arose accordingly. He entered

fully into the pleasures of the hour, and became, as he could whenever he chose, the life of the party. Clara was surprised at Bell's vivacity. Mordaunt was happy, because he deemed that his chances for gaining Bell's hand had risen fifty per cent. Mrs. Edgemonte talked of the wonderful influence which music had in dispelling ennui, and remarked, that she thought herself entitled to a vote of thanks from the entire company. How was it with Bell? Her spirits were the result of a final judgment in regard to Mr. Mordaunt's proposal. The conversation with her brother, his prompt advice and coinciding opinion, had relieved her mind of the indefinable fear which had hitherto controlled her. Mordaunt's sudden renewal of the subject had displeased her. She regarded it in the light of assumption. His very language betrayed to her nice perception that, under seeming humility, the roots of bold and haughty arrogance existed, ready to germinate and choke out the assumed devotion. The rain now fell in torrents. Mrs. Edgemonte had warned the young ladies that it was nearly time for the evening meal. Clara and Bell had just concluded a beautiful duet. Mr. Mordaunt was lavish in his praises of the sentiment, music, and execution, when Frederick Mortimer entered the room.

"Lively again at last, Bell? Come, give us another song," said Fred.

"Can't possibly. It is time to prepare for the teatable," replied Bell.

"That is such an unpoetical excuse I cannot accept it ;" and Fred insisted on the song.

The young ladies gratified him, but this time at the expense of an extra accompaniment; for, before