Two on a Tower

Having executed its grotesque purpose the wind sank to comparative

mildness. Swithin took advantage of this lull by covering up the

instruments with cloths, after which the betrothed couple prepared to go

downstairs.

But the events of the night had not yet fully disclosed themselves. At

this moment there was a sound of footsteps and a knocking at the door

below.

'It can't be for me!' said Lady Constantine. 'I retired to my room

before leaving the house, and told them on no account to disturb me.' She remained at the top while Swithin went down the spiral. In the gloom

he beheld Hannah.

'O Master Swithin, can ye come home! The wind have blowed down the

chimley that don't smoke, and the pinning-end with it; and the old

ancient house, that have been in your family so long as the memory of

man, is naked to the world! It is a mercy that your grammer were not

killed, sitting by the hearth, poor old soul, and soon to walk wi'

God,--for 'a 's getting wambling on her pins, Mr. Swithin, as aged folks

do. As I say, 'a was all but murdered by the elements, and doing no more

harm than the babes in the wood, nor speaking one harmful word. And the

fire and smoke were blowed all across house like a chapter in Revelation;

and your poor reverent father's features scorched to flakes, looking like

the vilest ruffian, and the gilt frame spoiled! Every flitch, every eye-

piece, and every chine is buried under the walling; and I fed them pigs

with my own hands, Master Swithin, little thinking they would come to

this end. Do ye collect yourself, Mr. Swithin, and come at once!' 'I will,--I will. I'll follow you in a moment. Do you hasten back again

and assist.' When Hannah had departed the young man ran up to Lady Constantine, to

whom he explained the accident. After sympathizing with old Mrs.

Martin Lady Constantine added, 'I thought something would occur to mar our

scheme!' 'I am not quite sure of that yet.' On a short consideration with him, she agreed to wait at the top of the tower till he could come back and inform her if the accident were really

so serious as to interfere with his plan for departure. He then left

her, and there she sat in the dark, alone, looking over the parapet, and

straining her eyes in the direction of the homestead.

At first all was obscurity; but when he had been gone about ten minutes

lights began to move to and fro in the hollow where the house stood, and

shouts occasionally mingled with the wind, which retained some violence

yet, playing over the trees beneath her as on the strings of a lyre.