on, which
Robert suddenly interrupted.

"I had forgotten," he said. "Did you do as I bade you, and bring a
hunter's cloak with you?"

Hildebrand bowed. "I hid it behind yonder fallen pillar," he said, and,
going to the spot, he returned to the King bearing a large, green cloak,
which the King threw over his shoulders and gathered about his arms so
as to muffle his royal bravery.

"I woo as the hunter, not as the King," he said.

Hildebrand bowed again. Then, turning, he climbed the hill that led to
the church. Robert's eyes followed him till the doors of the church had
closed upon his minister. Then with swift, noiseless steps he sped in
the opposite direction, and, pausing before the dwelling of Perpetua,
knocked lightly at the door and listened eagerly for answer. He could
hear a sound as of an inner door being opened, of light footsteps
crossing an intervening space; then his answer came in the voice of
Perpetua.

"Who is there?" Perpetua called through the door. She was wondering at
this sudden fulfilment of her father's fears, but she felt no fear
herself. Instantly a voice outside whispered her name:

"Perpetua! Perpetua!"

The words came so softly through the closed door that they might have
been uttered by any one. But she was conscious of a stirring at her
heart as she asked anew:

"Who calls?"

This time the response came clearly, in the unmistakable voice.

"A certain hunter," Robert said; and at the sound a passion of memory
conquered her, banishing her father's cautions.

Robert could hear her give a little, glad cry. He could hear the sound
of a bolt being shot back; then the door opened and Perpetua came out
into the sunlight. Her eyes were very bright, her hands extended in
welcome. He drew back a little in delight at her beauty, and she
advanced to him joyously.

"You have come back?" she said.

Robert caught her outstretched hands.

"How could I keep away?" he asked, looking into her eyes that mirrored
his.

She drew her hands away and spoke softly.

"I dreamed that you would come back. With my eyes open and with my eyes
shut, I dreamed that you would come back."

Robert's heart leaped at her speech.

"Are you glad to see me?" he questioned, tenderly.

The girl responded with the frankness of a child.

"Very glad. I liked you much that day when we met in the woods hollow,
and those whom I like I am always glad to greet."

Robert took her hand again, and this time she suffer