nded in many places beneath the sonorous vaults of New Aberfoyle。 Harry and Nell left the cottage； and slowly walked along the left bank of Loch Malcolm。
Then the electric brilliance darted less vividly； and the rays were interrupted with fantastic effect by the sharp angles of the picturesque rocks which supported the dome。 This imperfect light suited Nell； to whose eyes a glare was very unpleasant。
〃Nell；〃 said Harry； 〃your eyes are not fit for daylight yet； and could not bear the brightness of the sun。〃
〃Indeed they could not；〃 replied the girl； 〃if the sun is such as you describe it to me； Harry。〃
〃I cannot by any words； Nell； give you an idea either of his splendor or of the beauty of that universe which your eyes have never beheld。 But tell me； is it really possible that； since the day when you were born in the depths of the coal mine； you never once have been up to the surface of the earth？〃
〃Never once； Harry；〃 said she； 〃I do not believe that； even as an infant； my father or mother ever carried me thither。 I am sure I should have retained some impression of the open air if they had。〃
〃I believe you would；〃 answered Harry。 〃Long ago； Nell； many children used to live altogether in the mine； munication was then difficult； and I have met with more than one young person； quite as ignorant as you are of things above…ground。 But now the railway through our great tunnel takes us in a few minutes to the upper regions of our country。 I long； Nell； to hear you say； 'e； Harry； my eyes can bear daylight； and I want to see the sun！ I want to look upon the works of the Almighty。'〃
〃I shall soon say so； Harry； I hope；〃 replied the girl； 〃I shall soon go with you to the world above； and yet……〃
〃What are you going to sa