172
WYLDER'S HAJVI).
and still conversing, followed the footpath under the hedge-
row of the pretty field, and crossing another stile, entered
the park.
CHAPTER XXX.
IN BRANDON PARK.
Still pursuing her solemn and melancholy discourse,
the young lady followed the path, accompanied by the
Vicar.
"Truth," said the Vicar, "your mind is disturbed,
but not by doubt. No; it is by truth." He glanced
aside at the tarn where I had seen the phantom, and by
which their path now led them — " You remember Par-
nell's pretty image?
So when a smooth expanse receives imprest
Calm nature's image on its watery breast,
Down bend the banks, the trees depending grow,
And skies beneath with answering colors glow;
But if a stone the gentle scene divide,
Swift ruffling circles curl on every side,
And glimmering fragments of a broken sun,
Banks, trees, and skies, in thick disorder run.
But, as I said, it is not a doubt that agitates your mind
— that is well represented by the " stone," that subsides
and leaves the pool clear, it maybe, but stagnant as be-
fore. Oh, no; it is an angel who comes down and trou-
bles the water."
"What a heavenly evening!" said a low, sweet voice,
but with something insidious in it, close at his shoulder.