Year: 1872

iental


There were two figures in the cham


ber one that of female seated at ;


table with her head buried in hel


hands over which the auburn treesSes


fell in rich profusion. On beholdinG


her Sir Reginald started, and for ;


moment trembled violently; but re


covering himself Immediately, he set


his teeth firmly, and remained an an


xious spectator Of the scene. The


second figure was that of the Border


King, who stood in a respectful atti


tude regarding the lady Edith, for the


female was no other than she. The


Border King had removed his mask,


which he held in his hand, but his


back being turned toward the door,
Sir Reginald was unable to see his
face. After some time the freebooter
took from the basket which he carried
some ylands and wine, which he spread
upon the table before Lady Edith.
Then addressing her he said:


"Lady, let me implore you to par
take of some nourishment.'


Leave me-" she replied, in tone
of deep anguish, "for Heavens sake
leave me-"


"I will obey you, Edith he an
swered "and remember that | have
never forced my society upon you
when you desired my absence. ] will
leave you now for the night; but let
me heseech Of you to reconsider your
reply to my prayer. My love is as
pure as, and ten thousand times more
lasting than that which Sir Reginald
bears you. I will ever cherish you
like my own life. Consent to fly with
me, dear-dear Edith, and my whole
life shall be devoted to the gra'iica-
ton of your every wish. The count
less riches that l have spent years in
collecting, by every means, shall win
us a proud and honorable position in
a foreign land, where you shall reign
as an empress, and be worshiped as a
goddess"


A deep groan from the person he
addressed was the only reply.


edith" he proceeded, have no
fear from me, for l love you too sa
credly ever to wrong you, even in
thought: but it is well at the same
time, you should learn that YOU can
never quit this place save on the terms
l propose. I leave you now, Edith,
hoping you viii have altered your re-
solution by the morrow. Good night,
good night"


Turning to depart the Border King
faced Sir Reginald, who. on beholding
him, gasped in an almost audible tone


L" Heaven and earth, my brother!"


And indeed, the Border King was
no other than Archibald Hamilton.


Quitting the chamber with a slow
and stately step, the Border King
almost brushed against Sir Reginald
in passing. The latter remained quiet
until he heard the steps of his brother
die into an echo, Then advancing
cautiously into the chamber, he laid
his hand gently on the shoulder Of his
wife, who started at the touch and,
on raising her eyes to his, uttered a
low shrek and sprung to bis support
ing arms.


Whispering words Of comfort and
encouragement Sir Reginald led her
toward the door by which he had en-
.ered, and passed into the open air, he
almost carried his beautiful bride to-
ward his mansion in about half an
lour they reached Castle Hamilton,
where they were welcomed with rap
Tous joy by their retainers


The Border King was never seen or
heard of again and his name was
aforementioned before strangers by
.ither Sir Reginald or his lady. The
Sand which he had with such ability
commanded, being deprived of direc-
ion, was in short time broken and ,
Utterly destroyed. Archibald Hamil-
on had, it was hinted, entered the {
ervice of the King of France, in which S
e won, by his daring courage and ;;
olitic wisdom, great honors. lie
ever returned to England; and ended !
is life like true soldier, upon the t
eld of battle, Sir Reginald and Lady $
.dith Hamilton lived to rear a numer
us and amiable family, to whom the i
ather bequeathed his great wealth, C
nd the mother her spotless virtue.


A stranger meeting man in the =
reefs of Boston, a few days since, i