of the village considerably behind them. But a few more dwellings
lay along the path on which they were approaching. On the left,
a gorge opened in the hills by which the valley was dotted, which
seemed a pathway, and did indeed lead to one or more dwellings which
were out of sight in the opposite valley. The region to which this
pathway led was very secluded, and the eye of Stevens surveyed it
for a few moments in silence. The words of Hinkley unquestionably
conveyed a challenge. According to the practice of the country,
AS A LAWYER, he would have been bound to have taken it as such. A
moment was required for reflection. His former and present position
caused a conflict in his mind. The last sentence of Hinkley, and
a sudden glimpse which he just then caught of the residence of
Margaret Cooper, determined his answer.

"I thank you, young man, for reminding me of my duties. You had
nearly provoked the old passions and old practices into revival.
I forgive you--you misunderstand me clearly. I know not how I have
offended you, for my, only purpose was to serve your mother and
yourself. I may have done this unwisely. I will not attempt to
prove that I have not. At all events, assured of my own motives, I
leave you to yourself. You will probably ere long feel the injustice
you have done me!"

He continued on his way, leaving William Hinkley almost rooted to
the spot. The poor youth was actually stunned, not by what was said
to him, but by the sudden consciousness of his own vehemence. He
had expressed himself with a boldness and an energy of which neither
himself nor his friend, until now, would have thought him capable.
A moment's pause in the provocation, and the feelings which had
goaded him on were taken with a revulsion quite as sudden. As he