This page has been validated.

CHAPTER IX.

IN THE SHADOW.

"When thy dearest friends deceive thee,
 And cold looks thy love repel,
And the bitter humors grieve thee,
 That make God's fair earth a hell;
Oh, these are moments, trying moments,
 Meant to try thee—use them well."

Prof. Blackie.

Eleanor was disappointed but not discouraged; the road was still open, she was determined to try again, and only from Anthony's own lips take a final dismissal from his heart and home. But the next day there was a driving rain-storm, and the weather was wet and cold and blustery for a whole week. Under such conditions the common, being full of hollows, was dangerous for a foot-traveller, especially in the dark, and Eleanor was obliged to bear as patiently as she could that misfortune of the evil elements which often comes as the last straw in trouble. And before the common was passible, Anthony went to his uncle's, and Mar-

(163)