figure, muffled in a cloak, stood in the
pathway. It approached; a low voice
whispered:

'Ellen.'

'Is it you, Master Richard?' she replied.

He threw back the cloak which had
concealed his features.

'It is I, Ellen, he said; 'I have been
watching for you. I will not delay you
long.'

He took her hand, and she did not
attempt to withdraw it; for she was too
artless to think any evil, too confiding to
dread it.

'Ellen,' he continued, even now unconsciously
departing from the rigid course
which prudence had marked out; 'Ellen,
I am going to leave the country; going
to-morrow. I have had letters from
England. I must go; and the sea will soon
be between us.'

He paused, and she was silent.