How broad, deep and rich her being grew.  How near and dear to her now seemed Hugh, her friend and brother.  How sharply were the lines of their true relation defined,—­a relation as pure as untrodden snow.  Her heart overflowed with thankfulness to the giver of all good, who had brought her feet into such pleasant paths of peace.

In the same spot where ten years ago Mr. Wyman and fair Alice were seated, sat Herbert Temple and Florence.  The night was as fair and cloudless, while the rustle of the trees alone broke the stillness.  Pale moonbeams rested at their feet, while words of love flowed between them.

“I think I found my way to your heart the first evening I saw you, for I felt my being thrill as though I had another life pulsing with my own; am I right?”

She raised her eyes to his, and answered in words which he ever treasured,—­

“It was so, Herbert.  I felt as though I was stepping from my own confines; as though some strong hand had taken mine, and infused new life into my being.  It was when you played, Herbert, that I was absorbed in your soul.”

“It was you, Florence, who helped me to play.  I felt and was inspired by your interest, your appreciation, for no one can do such things alone.  I never play as I did that night, when alone.  Now, that I shall have you always to help, shall we not be happy?”

“O, Herbert, will these days last?  Will love bind us the same in years to come?”

“No, not the same; but deeper, holier, if we do not exhaust ourselves by free ownership.”

“You talk like Hugh,” she said, resting her hand on his arm, and looking out on the soft, still scene before them.

“I would I could talk like him.  While I admit no oracles, I confess I admire his views, and his life which is a perfect transcript of his theories.”

“He is a noble man, Herbert, and has done much towards my development.  I thought I loved him all I could, but since you have come to my life, I feel nearer than ever to him.”

“Such is the law, and beautiful it is, that true love expands our being, while the opposite contracts it.  Hugh’s views at first seemed wild, and rather disorderly, but close contact with the man, and opportunities of knowing him, in public and private, have made me acquainted with his worth.  Love him always, Florence, and when I take you to my home never fear that I shall not understand you need to see him at times alone, for he will need you.  You have been friends, and friends need each other.  I am not taking you from him in soul and heart; I will but help you to give yourself to him, with your being made richer by my love.”

Florence had no words with which to thank him.  She only nestled closer to the heart which loved her so well.

“How lovely this night is,” she said, breaking the long silence which followed; “the stillness is so sacred, I would not for worlds disturb it with a sound, even of the sweetest music.”