keep up a good heart!" said the old man, cheerfully, pressing her
hand and taking his leave.

Mrs. Rocke accompanied him to the hall door.

"My dear madam, keep up your spirits also for the sake of your young
charge! Make her go to bed early! To-morrow, when she thinks she is
about to be torn from you forever, remind her in her ear that I
shall meet the carriage at Staunton with a power that shall turn the
horses' heads."

And so saying, the worthy old gentleman departed.

As Marah Rocke looked after him, she also saw with alarm that
Colonel Le Noir had mounted his horse and galloped off in the
direction of Staunton, as if impelled by the most urgent haste.

She returned to the bedside of Clara, and left her no more that
night. As the colonel did not return to supper, they, the family
party, had their tea in Clara's room.

Late at night Mrs. Rocke heard Colonel Le Noir come into the house
and enter his chamber.

Poor Clara slept no more that night; anxiety, despite of all her
efforts, kept her wide awake. Yet, though anxious and wakeful, yet
by prayer and endeavor she had brought her mind into a patient and
submissive mood, so that when a servant knocked at her door in the
morning with a message from Colonel Le Noir that she should be ready
to set forth immediately after breakfast, she replied that she