Excerpt: ... mind. He did not wish any one to have the least idea of the secret thoughts which were agitating his heart. After the chores had been done, Douglas strolled down to the shore. He wished to be alone that he might think. It was a beautiful evening, and the river stretched out before him like a great mirror, with not a ripple disturbing its surface. It was a scene of peace, and it brought a quietness to his soul. A swim in a secluded place had refreshed him, and after he had dressed, he sat for a time upon the sandy beach. He looked up and down the shore, but no sign of life could he behold. The only familiar thing he saw was the old tree where he had sat that evening when he had first seen Nell. He wondered if she would be at the same place again this evening, and if Ben would meet her there. He did not relish the idea of spying, but so much was at stake now, and he must find out if they kept their tryst as formerly. If so, then it would be no use for him to cherish any hope. He might as well banish Nell from his mind first as last. Walking slowly along the shore, he at length reached the old tree and sat down upon the ground by its side with his eyes turned upstream. From here he could see all that might take place before him, while he himself would remain unobserved. The sun had now gone down beyond the tree tops, and the shades of night were stealing slowly over land and river. The air was clear, and objects were easily discerned some distance away. Douglas had not sat there more than a quarter of an hour when Nell appeared and stopped close to the big tree. She stood quietly there, with her right arm resting upon the bent and twisted trunk. Her eyes were fixed upon the ground, and she seemed to be in deep thought. Douglas shrank back lest he might be observed. A feeling of compunction smote his heart, and he was tempted to slip away among the bushes. What would Nell think if she knew that he was spying upon her? he asked himself. Would it not be...