way. In a few strides he overtook her and, for the first time

removing his hat, assured her in the most moving terms of his

entire respect and firm desire to help her. He spoke at first

unheeded; but gradually it appeared that she began to comprehend

his words; she moved a little, and drew herself upright; and

finally, as with a sudden movement of forgiveness, turned on the

young man a countenance in which reproach and gratitude were

mingled. 'Ah, madam,' he cried, 'use me as you will!' And once

more, but now with a great air of deference, he offered her the

conduct of his arm. She took it with a sigh that struck him to the

heart; and they began once more to trace the deserted streets. But

now her steps, as though exhausted by emotion, began to linger on

the way; she leaned the more heavily upon his arm; and he, like the

parent bird, stooped fondly above his drooping convoy. Her

physical distress was not accompanied by any failing of her

spirits; and hearing her strike so soon into a playful and charming

vein of talk, Challoner could not sufficiently admire the

elasticity of his companion's nature. 'Let me forget,' she had

said, 'for one half hour, let me forget;' and sure enough, with the

very word, her sorrows appeared to be forgotten. Before every

house she paused, invented a name for the proprietor, and sketched

his character: here lived the old general whom she was to marry on

the fifth of the next month, there was the mansion of the rich

widow who had set her heart on Challoner; and though she still hung

wearily on the young man's arm, her laughter sounded low and

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