all--as he had really been impressed by the commanding figure and
noble expression of beauty of that young damsel whom he had encountered
by the roadside. Even this impression, however, would have been
suffered to escape from his mind, had it not been so perfectly
convenient to revisit the spot, on his return to his usual place of
residence. During the summer, Charlemont and its rustic attractions
had been the frequent subject of a conversation, running into
discussion, between himself and the amiable old man, his uncle. The
latter repeatedly urged upon his nephew to make the visit; fondly
conceiving that a nearer acquaintance with the pleasant spot which
had so won upon his own affections, would be productive of a like
effect upon his nephew. Alas, how little did he know the mischief
he was doing!

In the very idleness of mood--with just that degree of curiosity
which prompts one to turn about and look a second time--Alfred
Stevens resumed the route which included Charlemont. But the devil
had, by this time, found his way into the meditations of the youth,
and lay lurking, unknown to himself, perhaps, at the bottom of
this same curiosity. The look of pride and defiance which Margaret
Cooper had betrayed, when the bold youth rode back to steal a second
glance at her matchless person, was equivalent to an equally bold
challenge; and his vanity hastily picked up the gauntlet which hers
had thrown down. He wished to see the damsel again--to see if she
WAS so beautiful--if she did, indeed, possess that intellectual
strength and vivacity which flashed out so suddenly and with so
much splendor from beneath her long, dark eye-lashes!

In this mood he met with John Cross; and the simplicity of that
worthy creature offered another challenge, not less provoking than