And now louder roared the howling wind and brighter the glaring lightning flashed, while fiercer grew the conflict in Fanny’s bosom.  Her faith was weak, and well nigh blotted with tears of human weakness.  But He, whose power could stay the storm without, could also still the agony within, and o’er the troubled waters of that aching heart there fell a peaceful calm.

Suddenly the door opened and a creature of wondrous, dazzling beauty appeared.  It was Julia, in her bridal robe.  She would fain have her sister’s blessing ere she descended to the parlor.  The struggle was over and the blessing which Fanny gave her sister was sincere, but when Julia asked forgiveness for all the evil she had ever done, the reply was prevented by a crash of thunder so terrific that Julia trembled with terror, and hastily left the room.

In a moment there was a light step upon the stair.  Fanny knew it was Dr. Lacey, for he soon returned with Julia, and as they passed her door she heard the merry laugh of Florence, who was bridesmaid.  In an instant they were in the parlor, throughout which a general gloom seemed to reign.  Perhaps it was owing to the wildness of the storm, which each moment increased in fury.  The bridal party took their places and Uncle Joshua shut his eyes, while the marriage ceremony commenced.

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The reader may now accompany me to the border of yonder wood, where stands a low-roofed building, the property of Mrs. Dunn.  There in a darkened room lay the widow’s only son, raving in the madness of delirium.  The fever flame burned in each vein, and as he tossed from side to side he would shriek out, “Quick, I tell you or you are too late.  She must not wed him.  Don’t you know she’s doubly, trebly steeped in guilt?  Go quick, I tell you, and stop it.”

Mrs. Dunn could only weep, for she knew not, dreamed not, what her son could mean.  Soon he grew calm, and fell into a deep sleep.  When he awoke Billy Jeffrey, who lived near, was sitting by him.  To Mrs. Dunn’s delight, Joseph was sane, and calling her to him he said, “Isn’t Julia Middleton to be married tonight?”

“She is,” answered his mother.

“At what hour?”

“At seven.”

“What time is it now?”

“Half-past six,” replied Mrs. Dunn.

“It must not be,” said Joseph, and turning to Bill he added, “listen, William, to what I have to tell, then speed along on the lightning’s wing, and tear her from the altar—­take her from his side, I say, and put there the other one, the pale, golden-haired one”; then, as he noticed the vacant look on Bill’s face, he added, “oh, no, you can’t tell it.  You wouldn’t understand it.  Mother, bring me a pen and some paper.”

The paper was brought, and as soon as possible Joseph wrote a confession of his own and Julia’s guilt.  “Now, Bill,” said he, “run for your life, and give this to Dr. Lacey.  Do it for the sake of Fanny.”