acquaintance; neither, indeed, has he, if he be rightly
judged, (and you would not wrong your son), per-
haps, sought mine; for it would seem there are amities
that Providence provides for us, without our will or
knowledge. It was accident that brought us face to
face; as we observe the sun and moon -- that are
separate in their seasons, and withal so different in
their glory's given degree -- brought monthly, and as
if fortuitously, though, in reality, by eternal, fixed
design, into conjunctive presence amidst the sky.

Yet who shall blame the sun and moon for that?

"None," said the Seigneur.

"Then let no one blame your son and me," con-
tinued Amanda, "if Heaven, perhaps to try us, has
ordained that our paths should cross each other, as
might two strange and diverse celestial bodies pass
apparently too hazardously near each other in their
appointed orbits. For the rest, forgive me, sir, and
may He who best knows what is for the benefit of
his creatures, and who sometimes for their good, sees
it right that they should suffer wrongfully, assist me.
Since this has pleased Him, I bow, and bear it the
best I may, and trust too, that He will, in His good
pleasure, deliver me from this that He has permitted
to fall upon me, my present sad and dangerous estate
of a poor prisoner here."

"Heaven will indeed rescue you from this infamous
restraint, and I will gladly be its minister," returned
the Seigneur, melted almost to love with pity, and
dropping a tear; "none shall detain you here; you
are safe. Let me, myself -- if thereby to some extent
may be atoned to you the wrong you have sustained in
being hurried hither -- conduct you to your guardian."

[[101]]

p100b _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p101w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p102

v?