I do guess them," said Idris, "and such as they are, I would not

venture to combat them. Tell me, however, in what way he passes his time;

what he is doing and thinking in his cottage retreat?"

Nay, my sweet sister," replied Adrian, "you ask me more than I can well

answer; but if you feel interest in him, why not visit him? He will feel

highly honoured, and thus you may repay a part of the obligation I owe him,

and compensate for the injuries fortune has done him."

I will most readily accompany you to his abode," said the lady, "not that

I wish that either of us should unburthen ourselves of our debt, which,

being no less than your life, must remain unpayable ever. But let us go;

to-morrow we will arrange to ride out together, and proceeding towards that

part of the forest, call upon him."

The next evening therefore, though the autumnal change had brought on cold

and rain, Adrian and Idris entered my cottage. They found me Curius-like,

feasting on sorry fruits for supper; but they brought gifts richer than the

golden bribes of the Sabines, nor could I refuse the invaluable store of

friendship and delight which they bestowed. Surely the glorious twins of

Latona were not more welcome, when, in the infancy of the world, they were

brought forth to beautify and enlighten this "sterile promontory," than

were this angelic pair to my lowly dwelling and grateful heart. We sat like

one family round my hearth. Our talk was on subjects, unconnected with the

emotions that evidently occupied each; but we each divined the other's

thought, and as our voices spoke of indifferent matters, our eyes, in mute

103

The Last Man