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arrival, from the motherly matron, to whom I 
soon gave a full and satisfactory explanation of 
my happy errand, and thus gained the good 
lady’s confidence and best wishes. It was a 
happy trio that sat around the cosy little tea- 
table enjoying the noon-meal and discussing 
the strange occurrences of the past few days, 
After dinner, the carriage was called, and we 
were driven to the train. After tender partings, 
exchanges of mutual best wishes, promises of 
early re-unions, my fair companion and I 
boarded the train, and as it slowly pulled out 
for its swift flight toward home, we could see 
the dear old soul still standing on the platform, 
alternately wiping her eyes and waving her 
handkerchief in sad farewell. 
So busy were our thoughts during our rapid 
homeward course that our conversation was but 
desultory. My fair companion seemed wrap- 
ped in deep reflection, so I realized that I would 
be inconsiderate if not presumptious to attempt 
to interrupt the course of her quiet meditations 
with uncongenial discussion. 
Arriving safely at the point where our jour- 
ney by rail came to an end, I ordered a car- 
riage and we were driven to within ashort walk 
of the river’s bank. We soon reached the point 
on the mainland where a fine view of the island 
could be enjoyed. Here I directed the atten- 
tion of my happy companion to the old her- 
mitage, and I left her for a short time gazing 
intently at her future island home, while I went 
