He was surprised and annoyed at first to find how decidedly his father was possessed with the idea that he was to marry his cousin, and that she, at any rate, was attached to him, whatever his feelings might be toward her; but after he had gone frankly to Erminia and told her all, he found that she was as ignorant of her uncle's plans for her as he had been; and almost as glad at any event which should frustrate them.

"For shame, Erminia!

Although she was as convinced as Erminia, that money could not really help any one to happiness, she could not at the instant resist saying: "Oh! how I wish I had a fortune!

Erminia was right in saying that her uncle had thought of Lady Adela Castlemayne for an instant; though how the little witch had found it out I cannot say, as the idea had been dismissed immediately from his mind.

He had not been very long at home before Maggie was made aware, partly through Erminia, who had no notion of discreet silence on any point, and partly by her own observation, of the increasing estrangement between father and son.

I'd rather you did not tell him I've any thoughts of coming round, that he may have a fair trial; and I'll keep it from Erminia if I can, or she will let it all out to him.

Erminia brought up a portion of the money Mr. Buxton was to advance, with an entreaty that Edward would not show himself out of his home; and an account of a letter from Mr. Henry, stating that the Woodchester police believed him to be in London, and that search was being made for him there.

Erminia looked very grave and pale.

"And Frank!" said Erminia, after a pause.

" "And I'm keeping you all this time," said Erminia, getting up, yet loth to go.

" Erminia went slowly to the door.

Erminia, the thought of her grief at Edward's absence is the trial; for my sake, you will come often and often, and comfort her in every way you can.

I shall like to see you off; and I may be of some use to you, and Erminia begged it of me; and, besides, it will keep me out of Mr. Henry's way for a little time, and I'm afraid he will find it all out, and think me very weak; but you see he made me too hard upon Crayston, so I may take it out in a little soft-heartedness toward the son of an old friend.

" Just at this moment Erminia came running through the white morning mist all glowing with haste.

"Erminia begged me not to tell you about it, but I can't manage a secret well.

I did not think of it; but now I have seen how crowded the steerage is, I am very glad Erminia had so much thought.

" "It was very kind of Erminia," said Maggie, touched at this consideration of her friend; "but..." "Now don't 'but' about it," interrupted he.

"Erminia is very rich, and has more money than she knows what to do with.

" He asked them to go on board early the next day, as he had promised Erminia to see them there, and yet wished to return as soon as he could.

It's all Erminia's doing.

" Maggie wrote with tears in her eyestears of love toward the generous Erminia.

" "It was Erminia's kindness that prevented our going there.

But Maggie treats her with such tender sympathy, never thinking of herself or her own claims, that Frank, Erminia, Mr. Buxton, Nancy, and all, are reverent and sympathizing too.

[R] thundering through the woods Upon her palfrey, or that gentle maid Erminia, [S] fugitive as fair as she.

Erminia is the heroine of 'Jerusalem Delivered'.