"He did not deem it harmless, I fear," replied the maiden; "but God

confounds the devices of the wicked. Believe me, as I swear by the dear

Gospel in which we trust, your life is safe from his practice. Did you

not debate with him?"

"The house was silent," answered the lady--"thou gone--no other but he

in the chamber--and he capable of every crime. I did but stipulate he

would remove his hateful presence, and I drank whatever he offered.--But

you spoke of escape, Janet; can I be so happy?"

"Are you strong enough to bear the tidings, and make the effort?" said

the maiden.

"Strong!" answered the Countess. "Ask the hind, when the fangs of the

deerhound are stretched to gripe her, if she is strong enough to spring

over a chasm. I am equal to every effort that may relieve me from this

place."

"Hear me, then," said Janet. "One whom I deem an assured friend of yours

has shown himself to me in various disguises, and sought speech of me,

which--for my mind was not clear on the matter until this evening--I

have ever declined. He was the pedlar who brought you goods--the

itinerant hawker who sold me books; whenever I stirred abroad I was sure

to see him. The event of this night determined me to speak with him.

He awaits even now at the postern gate of the park with means for your

flight.--But have you strength of body?--have you courage of mind?--can

you undertake the enterprise?"

"She that flies from death," said the lady, "finds strength of body--she

that would escape from shame lacks no strength of mind. The thoughts of

leaving behind me the villain who menaces both my life and honour would

give me strength to rise from my deathbed."

"In God's name, then, lady," said Janet, "I must bid you adieu, and to

God's charge I must commit you!"

"Will you not fly with me, then, Janet?" said the Countess, anxiously.

"Am I to lose thee? Is this thy faithful service?"

"Lady, I would fly with you as willingly as bird ever fled from cage,

but my doing so would occasion instant discovery and pursuit. I must

remain, and use means to disguise the truth for some time. May Heaven

pardon the falsehood, because of the necessity!"

"And am I then to travel alone with this stranger?" said the lady.

"Bethink thee, Janet, may not this prove some deeper and darker scheme

to separate me perhaps from you, who are my only friend?"




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024