r errors and corruptions, and that
her mandates should be obeyed, even if they were sometimes somewhat
harsh and unreasonable, as notably in this matter of the
circulation of the Scriptures amongst the people.

So he was more anxious for Dalaber to avoid drawing down notice
upon himself than that he should play the part of hero and martyr
with constancy and courage. And his friendly solicitude had been
soothing to Anthony through the day, restoring his balance of mind,
and quieting the nervous restlessness which had possessed him
hitherto. And now he was approaching the house of his beloved, and
her gentle sweetness and tender counsels would fill up the measure
of his happiness, and restore that confidence in himself and his
cause which had at one time been somewhat rudely shaken.

She met him on the threshold, and for the first time since the
troth plight her arms were about his neck, and he felt the tremor
of her whole slender frame.

"Anthony, Anthony, thou art safe!"

"Beloved, yes; wherefore didst thou fear for me?"

"How could I not fear, not knowing all, when such stories and
rumours have been flying about?"

"What stories? what rumours?" he asked, feeling his heart begin to
beat more rapidly.

She drew him into a little antechamber close at hand, and by the
light of the flickering fire he saw that her face was pale and
anxious, whilst her eyes looked as though they had shed tears.

"My Freda, what is the matter? Thou hast been weeping."

"Yes, for my heart has been heavy within me. How should it not be?
And yet I know that the cause is holy and righteous, and I would
have all men to be constant and full of courage. Cannot the Lord
preserve His own?"

"Yes, yes; let us not fear!" cried Dalaber, his courage rising with
the need to reassure his beloved. "But tell me, what hast thou
heard?"

"Arthur Cole has been here; he has come thrice today, each time
with fresh news. Thou dost know how he regards my sister Magda.
None can fail to note his love for her; and I think he will win
hers at the last. I trow he has well redeemed the pledge he gave
her, and that he will get his reward--in time."

"His pledge?"

"Yes; he vowed to her that if he were able he would give warning to
any of the brethren who might be in peril. He hears more than
others of what is likely to pass, and he brought us word at
daylight this morning that Master Garret was to be closely searched
for."

"That is true; but he is fled