University of Virginia Library

“Would I might see more of such days!” said he,
“In the obscure before me! Fate forbids.
My time of idlesse terminates to-night.
To-morrow to the city we return.
Thither I go, to open, in October,
A private school; and I must find a house
And make my preparations.”
On they rode,
After these words, in silence for a mile
Upon their homeward way. Then Lothian:
“And what will your address be, in the city?”
“I do not know, nor care,” said Linda, switching
Her horse's ear, to start a quicker trot.
Another mile of silence! “Look!” cried he;
“The lighthouse light salutes us!”—“Yes, I see.”
“Why do you go so fast?”—“I'll slacken speed
If you desire it. There!” They breathed their horses;
Then Lothian: “Indeed, I hope that we
Shall meet again.”—“Why not? The world is wide,
But I have known a letter in a bottle,
Flung over in mid-ocean, to be found
And reach its owner. Doubtless, we may meet.”
“I'm glad to find you confident of that.”
Silence again! And so they rode along
Till they saw Rachel coming from the house
To greet them. Charles helped Linda to dismount,
Held out his hand, and said, “Good by, Miss Linda.”
“Good by!” she cheerily answered; “bid your father
Good by for me. And so you go indeed
To-morrow?”—“Yes, we may not meet again.”
“Well; pleasant journey!”—“Thank you. Good by, Rachel.”
He rode away, leading her panting horse;
And, when the trees concealed him, Linda rushed
Up stairs, and locked the door, and wept awhile.