become my friend, Edwards; I have been thinking how I can best serve him; perhaps you, who know his habits and his wants so well, can tell me"—
"I can," cried the youth, with an impetuosity that startled the maiden—"I can, and may Heaven reward you for the wish. Natty has been so imprudent as to forget the law, and has this day killed a deer. Nay, I believe I must share in the crime and the penalty, for I was an accomplice throughout. A complaint has been made to your father, and he has granted a search"———
"I know it all," interrupted Elizabeth, beckoning with her hand for silence; "I know it—I know it all. The forms of the law must be complied with, however; the search must be made, the deer found, and the penalty paid. But I must retort your own question. Have you lived so long in our family, not to know us? Look at me, Oliver Edwards. Do I appear like the girl who would permit the man that has just saved her life to linger in a gaol, for so small a sum as this fine? No, no, sir; my father is a Judge, but he is a man and a Christian. It is all understood, and no harm shall follow."
"What a load of apprehension do your declaratians remove!" exclaimed Edwards. "He shall not be disturbed again! your father will protect him! I have your assurance, Miss Temple, that he will, and I must believe it."
"You may have his own, Mr. Edwards," returned Elizabeth, "for here he comes to make it."
But the appearance of Marmaduke, who entered the apartment, contradicted the flattering anticipations of his daughter. His brow was contracted with a look of care, and his manner was disturbed. Neither Elizabeth nor the youth
