The conversation turned into other channels,
and long they continued in lover-like communion,
reading letters, reciting past events, and recalling
old scenes.
*M wish these trying times were over," said
Belle, as Donald read to her an important letter he
had just received from London, which made him
lean his head upon his hand very thoughtfully.
*'In that wish I join you most fervently and
heartily, but 1 fear we shall be obliged to wait a
long day."

"What will be the outcome of all this? What
will be the result of these revolutionary move-
ments?"

"No human being can predict. It is evident
that things must be much worse before they are
any better," said Donald very solemnly.
"How long can the government bear the strain
that is being put upon it ? "

" Not long, I fear. We are in the midst of revo-
lution, and our best hopes may be blasted in an



332

hour. No man can see an inch before his face.
