“I was gently forced from the dissecting-room by my friends, and conducted to my home in silence—­in silence, because I had no words for any one.  I pressed their hands at the door of my mansion, and bowing, they departed for their homes to muse over the incidents of the evening.  I entered my silent chamber, but not to rest.  I threw open the casement and gazed out at the genial rays of the moon.  The dark green leaves of the linden trees were motionless, and the silvery rays struggling through them cast a checkered and faint tint of mingled light and shade on the pavement beneath.  The cool fresh air soothed my throbbing temples.  I sank back in my seat and gazed up at the innumerable stars in the boundless sky.  I thought the stellar host glittered with unusual brilliance, as if there were a joyous and holy revelry going on in heaven.  My heart grew calm.  I felt a conviction that true happiness, and purity of thought and purpose were inseparable.  I knew that the contaminations of the world had overthrown many a righteous resolve, and linked the noblest minded with infamy.  I thought of Laura.  The seductions of the world had literally prostrated an angel before my eyes.  I determined to leave the world, if not for ever, at least as long as its temptations to err, in the remotest degree, were liable to beset my path.  I came hither.”

When Glenn finished his narrative, Roughgrove rose in silence, and producing a small Bible that he always carried about his person, read in a low, but distinct and impressive tone, several passages which were peculiarly applicable to the state of their feelings.  Glenn then approached the couch where William slumbered peacefully.  A healthful perspiration rested on his forehead, and a sweet smile played upon his lips, indicating that his dreams were not among the savage scenes in which he had so lately mingled.  Mary, who had fallen asleep while seated at his side, overcome with silent watching, yet rested with her head on the same pillow, precisely in the same attitude she reclined when Glenn began his recital.  Roughgrove took her in his arms, and placing her softy at her brother’s feet, bestowed a kiss upon her brow, and retired with Glenn to rest.

CHAPTER XVI.

Balmy spring—­Joe’s curious dream—­He prepares to catch a fish—­Glenn —­William and Mary—­Joe’s sudden and strange appearance—­La-u-na—­The trembling fawn—­The fishing sport—­The ducking frolic—­Sneak and the panther.

It was now the first week in May.  Every vestige of winter had long since disappeared, and the verdure of a rich soil and mild temperature was fast enrobing the earth with the freshest and most pleasing of colours.  Instead of the dreary expanse of ice that had covered the river, its waters now murmured musically by in the early morn—­its curling eddies running along the sedgy shore, while the rising sun slowly dissipated the floating mists; and the inspiring notes of all the wild variety of birds, contributed to invest the scene with such charms as the God of nature only can impart, and which may only be fully enjoyed and justly appreciated by guileless and unsophisticated mortals.