you can stand this knowledge that you seek. If I had had my own way,
Lucy should never have yielded, and promised to tell you all. Who
knows what may come of it?"

"I am firm in my wish to know all. I return at ten tomorrow morning,
and then expect to see Mistress Lucy herself."

I turned away; having my own suspicions, I confess, as to Mistress
Clarke's sanity.

Conjectures as to the meaning of her hints, and uncomfortable
thoughts connected with that strange laughter, filled my mind. I
could hardly sleep. I rose early; and long before the hour I had
appointed, I was on the path over the common that led to the old
farm-house where they lodged. I suppose that Lucy had passed no
better a night than I; for there she was also, slowly pacing with her
even step, her eyes bent down, her whole look most saintly and pure.
She started when I came close to her, and grew paler as I reminded
her of my appointment, and spoke with something of the impatience of
obstacles that, seeing her once more, had called up afresh in my
mind. All strange and terrible hints, and giddy merriment were
forgotten. My heart gave forth words of fire, and my tongue uttered
them. Her colour went and came, as she listened; but, when I had
ended my passionate speeches, she lifted her soft eyes to me, and
said -

"But you know that you have something to learn about me yet. I only
want to say this: I shall not think less of you--less well of you, I
mean--if you, too, fall away from me when you know all. Stop!" said
she, as if fearing another burst of mad words. "Listen to me. My