Page 71 (1/2)

"True, indeed!" said Cardo, beginning energetically to lower the sails,

and guide the boat safely to shore

He said no more, until, after a trahts, they drew near the path to Brynderyn

"You will helpof the

fourteenth?"

"I will," said Ellis

Before that htened and

half-reluctant consent

She was no longer a child, but seemed to have matured suddenly into a

woman of calm and reflective character, as well as of deep and tender

feeling

To be married thus hurriedly and secretly! How different to the

beautiful event which she had so, white veil? Where were the white-robed brides friends to look on and to bless? There would be

none of these indeed, but then--there would be Cardo! to encourage and

sustain her--to call her wife! and to entrust his happiness to her

Yes, she would marry him; she would be true to him--neither life nor

death should shake her constancy--no power should draw froe, for Cardo had said, "It must be a

secret between us, love, until I return and tell my father myself--can

you promise that, Valmai?" and with si, "I proht he put his