"But tell me, father," said Flora, "how shall I guard against those who would deceive me?"

"Turn your eye," replied the deep voice of the wizard, "to the gloom of yonder cavern, and fear not-there shalt thou see the form of him who has filled thy fancy by day, and thy dream by night; to him, and him alone that bears the features thou shalt see there, be thy hand given."

Flora fixed her eye intently on the mouth of the cave, while the wizard priest proceeded:

"Shadow, I call thee from what place so e'er,

The earth, the fire, the ocean, or the air,

May now contain thee; answer to my will,

Spirit of good, or instrument of ill!

By the power that penance long
Gives me o'er your subtle throng
By the name you all do dread—
By the crucified and dead—
By the glory risen again-
By the Saviour of men—
By thy belief of hope or fear,
Spirit, now I call thee here!
C 3

Thou

Thou who knowest my wishes all,
Answer, answer to my call;

Take the shape I'd have thee bear;
Spirit, quick appear, appear !"

In a moment the gloom of the cavern gave place to a burst of light, and the form of Edwin passed before her, no longer indeed a child, but with the same features that still rested indelible upon her me mory, improved and heightened into manhood. It was indeed the form that had filled her fancy for many a year, over which she had dreamed and pondered, hoped and feared, till the love she entertained for that one predominant idea, that one cherished vision, was far stronger than any other affection she had on earth.

The figure passed slowly across the cave, while fixing her gaze immoveably upon it, half terrified, half anxious, she regarded every feature; then, after having remained visible for some moments, the light gradually faded away, and all was darkness; but for a time Flora's eyes still con

tinued to rest upon the spot where it had appeared, as if she expected again to behold it." He is gone," cried she, at length, turning to the hermit; "but tell me, father, when shall I behold him again? and say, when this danger is passed, shall we be happy at last ?"

The wizard raised his hand, and pointing to the lake, he again took up the measured chaunt in which he generally answered

"When the lightner of the day
First shall pour to-morrow's ray,
Topping every ripple bright
With his glad and golden light,
Let thy boat its journey take,
O'er the soft and sheeny lake;
At St. Mary's sacred shrine
Lift thy prayers for aid divine.
But in gliding o'er the wave,

Shun the conscious blood-stained cave,
Where on limbs of human thrall

Feeds the murdrous canibal *;

But should fortune guide thee there,

Be thy bosom free from care;

I will aid thee with my power,

In sorrow's or in danger's hour."

See an account in Pitscottie of a family of canibals,

in the reign of James the Fourth.

"Your bidding shall be obeyed, holy father," replied Flora; "but as yet you have not told me-does Edwin love me as I hope?"

Mark," replied the priest, in rather a softened tone

"There is a star in yonder sky,

When day has closed his brilliant eye,
That shines unchanged the livelong night,
Nor ever quits its station bright!
To it each orb that rolling plays,
Through the blue heaven's spangled maze,
Turns as to a beacon fair,

In the trackless fields of air;

Thus to thee his guiding star,

Edwin's heart has turned from far,
Kept thine image in his mind,
With every dearer hope combined;

His love your own in youth became,

And manhood finds that love the same."

Then I am satisfied," replied Flora; "then I am happy. Adieu! holy father, aid us with thy prayers; for to thee I shall look in every moment of danger or difficulty."

"Do so, my child," replied the old man, " and

"and any power that Heaven may lend me shall be always employed to serve you, while you continue thus good and virtuous. Fare thee well! and the blessing of God be upon thy head!"

CHAPTER III.

A thousand wel

comes hailed his return; a thousand smiles greeted his arrival; but the eye of Flora beamed not upon him, and Fergus the second-sighted looked upon him as a stranger. This is not him," cried the seer, "that my eye has beheld; this is not the habit he should wear."

"Hush, old man!" exclaimed Edwin, haughtily; "cloud, not my coming with thy prophecies! But why does my Flora, my betrothed bride, hang back? why does she not greet the man who has loved her through so many years?"

"Am I thy betrothed bride?" asked