I eagerly caught at the idea that her presence was needed, in order
that, by some strange prayer or exorcism, the spell might be
reversed.

"I will go and bring her to you," I exclaimed. Bridget tightened her
hold upon my arm.

"Not so," said she, in a low, hoarse voice. "It would kill me to see
her again as I saw her this morning. And I must live till I have
worked my work. Leave me!" said she, suddenly, and again taking up
the cross. "I defy the demon I have called up. Leave me to wrestle
with it!"

She stood up, as if in an ecstasy of inspiration, from which all fear
was banished. I lingered--why I can hardly tell--until once more she
bade me begone. As I went along the forest way, I looked back, and
saw her planting the cross in the empty threshold, where the door had
been.

The next morning Lucy and I went to seek her, to bid her join her
prayers with ours. The cottage stood open and wide to our gaze. No
human being was there: the cross remained on the threshold, but
Bridget was gone.



CHAPTER III.