magnificence, and the only relic of her former state was a gorgeous curtain that divided her oratory from the cheer-less apartment, chosen as the home of her future years. "Maude," said she, as thejT sat together there, "remem-berest thou the riddle of life and love that once formed our theme of converse in an hour like this ? How thy heart pined for the convent, and mine shuddered at its gloom." " Aye," said Maude, " well do I remember it, and often have I smiled at the presumption which made me attempt to solve the greatest mystery of human existence, and arrogate to myself the choice of the future ; when the highest wisdom leads only to the faithful performance of daily duties." " I mind me now," replied the countess, " that thy gentle admonition pointed to that effect.—But I scorned control, and when I saw the cruel policy by which my father strengthened his dominion, I determined that my hand should never seal the bond of a political alliance, and it was not till after years that I learned that the meeting be-tween Stephen and myself resulted from a preconcerted plan to bind me to one whose mild virtues would counteract my unholy aspirings. Thy instructions had taught me the power of a righteous purpose, and I sought its aid to com-pensate for what I considered a defect in my husband's character, vainly hoping that ambition, sanctioned by re-ligion, would secure its reward. With fatal skill I wrought upon his generous affections till he relinquished the dear delights of his family, to seek barren laurels, and find a lonely grave on a foreign shore." " Reproach not thyself," said Maude, tenderly. The countess heeded not her interruption. " Thou and I," said she, " have wrought for different ends, and the re-sults for which I toiled have come to thee unsought." Maude would have replied, but the passionate woman proceeded. "Nay, let me speak ; for since my great grief has fallen upon me, I have unburdened my heart to no one. As a captive thou didst bring a blessing to the household of the Conqueror ; thy sweet spirit moulded the rude Simon into a benefactor of his dependents, and I know well 112 HEROINES OF THE CRUSADES.