After All.

Violet Cumberland who had so opened the window . She had heard the alight grating sound , ancl at first had been unable to account for it ; but suddenly she was inspired with the thought that it was Redtaper endeavouring to take her away , and she had carefully peered through the glass and made out his form , when he hrst heard a voice in the room .

She had at first taken kindl y to the disci pline of her new life , but she soon became tired of the restraint which hardl y seemed like freedom from the world , cooped up amongst a lot of wretched sisters . She had recognised that her disappointment with Humberton had been mostl y her own fault , and she now thought she could live comparativel y contentedly , perhaps , at home again . These thoughts came into her mind , but it was impossible to fulfil themther of she

; e was no way escape ; was shut up for ever . Sad , cruel fate —the late oi a foolish , impetuous , passionate girl , who , in a moment of anguish , seeks an everlasting asylum in one of those devil-invented prisons , the trap-door of which , though easily entered , closes on its deluded victims tor ever , bhe could wish for some way of escape but it was useless . There was nothing but resignation , and , perhaps , it was best after all . Then she had thoughts of devoted

poor Redtaper , and she wondered if it was possible tor her to Icve ; him So when she heard the unusual grating noise , her thoughts had followed these channels , though with a sinking heart She spoke softly to Redtaper through the open window , and upbraided him for coming there . He pleaded his love , and she no longer rebuked him . He would save her ; he would take her away and cherish her ; soothe her griefs , while he adored—loved her .

It cannot be ; it is impossible . I am here for ever . Thank you—thank you very much for your devotion and attachment to me ; but , Herbert , " and here she reached her beautiful round white arm partly through the bars , and he took her hand m his , « you must say adieu for ever . I cannot , dare not mil not , try to go . '

All Redtaper ' s persuasions were vain , and she cautioned him not to delay lest he should bo discovered . J " Then you will not refuse me the favour of one sweet kiss , as a last request before I die as an angelic passport to heaven ? " urged Redtaper , still in a whisper , and Ins lips met hers for the first and last time , while her deep velvet eyes flashed into his through the bars , and then fell beneath his enraptured

fhm 01 ' ^ - u ' ? eCStatio J ° y of the moment ! Tlven Herbert Redtaper ' but filet aml 7 ^ aU ^ PaSt ™ ' aad he f ° ' CTeWng Short-lived joy . A shout from below told him he was discovered , and like niLSr it 6 H ^ YTf ^ faintia § ' form 0 f Violet Cumberland , and rushed down the rickett y adder into the arms of his enemies , the wardens of the convent and the constabulary had silentl

they y summoned , by whom he was z s soon conveyed mto _ safe-keeping , only to be brought up on a charge of housebreakmg , and convicted for one calendar month ; extenuating andeftraoiary s ^^ tx ^*^^*™^*^ ( To be continued . )