Before we follow him to his high and lone retreat, we will bring the reader to the Manor-house, where all was already gladness, and quiet but deep joy.
It wanted about three hours to that fixed for the marriage; and, as it was yet so early, Aram was not expected at the Manor-house till an hour before the celebration of the event. Nevertheless, the bells were already ringing loud and blithely; and the near vicinity of the Church to the house brought that sound, so inexpressibly buoyant and cheering, to the ears of the bride, with a noisy merriment, that seemed like the hearty voice of an old-fashioned friend who seeks, in his greeting, rather cordiality than discretion. Before her glass stood the beautiful, the virgin, the glorious, form of Madeline Lester; and Ellinor, with trembling hands (and a voice between a laugh and a cry) was braiding up her sister's rich hair, and uttering her hopes, her wishes, her congratulations. The small lattice was open, and the air came rather chillingly to the bride's bosom.
