As Algernon passed out of the cottage, he beheld, in the center of the common, a well dressed, good-looking individual, who was standing on the ground and holding by the bridle a horse, which, as well as the rider himself, appeared both travel-stained and weary.  Approaching the stranger with a firm step, but with a pale countenance and throbbing heart, he said: 

“I understand, sir, you have business with me.”

“Your name, then,” returned the other, quietly, “I presume to be Algernon Reynolds?”

“The same.”

“You are, too, I infer, a native of ——­, Connecticut, and son of Albert Reynolds of that place?”

“Again right,” answered Algernon, in a voice which, in spite of himself, was a little tremulous.

“Then, sir,” rejoined the stranger, with a satisfied air, “I may say that I have business with you, and of vast importance.  A long chase you have led me, i’ faith; and weeks of travel have you cost me; so you may rest assured that I am happy in finding you at last.”

“Proceed!” said Algernon, compressing his lips, as one whose mind is made up for the worst.  “Proceed, sir.  I know your mission.”

“The deuce you do!” replied the other, in astonishment; “then you must have a very remarkable faculty for divining secrets.  I rather guess you are mistaken though,” he added, as he drew forth a couple of letters from a side pocket; “but these will inform you whether you are or not.”

Seizing the proffered letters with trembling eagerness, Algernon hastily glanced at their superscription; then, breaking the seals, he devoured their contents with the utmost avidity; while the stranger stood noting the varying expressions of his handsome countenance, with a quiet smile.  At first his pale features seemed flushed with surprise—­then became radiant with joy—­and then gradually saddened with sorrow; yet a certain cheerfulness prevailed over all—­such as he had not exhibited for many a long month.  As he finished a hasty perusal of the epistles, he turned to the stranger, grasped his hand, and, shaking it heartily, while tears of joy filled his eyes, exclaimed: 

“I was mistaken, sir—­God be thanked!  God bless you too, sir! for being the messenger of peace between myself and conscience.  Excuse me.  Tarry a moment, sir, and I will send some one to take charge of your weary beast, and show yourself a place of rest and refreshment.”

As he spoke, Algernon darted away toward the cottage.  Observing Isaac, he ran to and caught him by the hand: 

“Isaac,” he said, in a gay tone, while his eyes sparkled with delight, “wish me joy!  I have good news.  I—­but stay; I forgot; you know nothing of the matter.  Oblige me, though, by showing yonder gentleman and his beast due hospitality;” and wringing his hand, he sprung into the apartment where Ella was sitting alone, leaving Isaac staring after him with open mouth, and wondering whether he were in his right senses or not.