brings tidings from Fitz Osborne, and our Uncle Odo. Hugh de Glaville conjectures there is treason in England." " My mother dismissed her maidens at an earlier hour than is her wont, and sent away Turold with a frown, when he brought her his pattern of the wooden fort," said Cicely, with a sigh, " my heart misgave me then that some peril was impending." " Pray God it may uot reach Edwin," said Agatha, with white lips. " Pray God the troubles may continue till my father moves his court to London," said William, as rising from the mossy bank upon which they had been sitting, the anxious party returned through the pleasance, to the great hall where the evening meal was prepared. When the silent repast was finished, Maude led the weep-ing Agatha to her own chamber, and lifting the curtain of the oratory, stood with her before an altar covered with a richly embroidered velvet pall. Upon the altar was placed a golden crucifix, before which burned a silver lamp, and in a niche above, au alabaster image of the Madonna. " Daughter of the Norman William," said she, taking Agatha's hands and kneeling before the altar, " with the holy cross before thee, and the eyes of our blessed lady looking down upon thee, tell me truly, lovest thou the Saxon Edwin?" and Agatha whispered low but firmly, "I love the Saxon Edwin." "Turn thy eyes to the stars, emblems of unchanging faith, and tell me truly, wilt thou be to Edwin a guardian Fylgia in weal or woe?" and Agatha answered, " I will guard Edwin in weal or woe." " Lay thy hand upon this holy shrine," again said Maude, lifting the purple pall, and revealing a jewelled casket, " and tell me truly, though father, mother, brother, friend, or priest, compel, wilt thou with Edwin keep thy plighted troth ?" and Agatha answered, " I will with Edwin keep my plighted troth." "The pure Mary, the sleepless stars, and this holy relic of St. John the divine aid thee to keep thy vow, Amen." And Agatha responded solemnly—" Amen." ADELA. 27