series of rough and misshapen steps, cut in the solid rock,
led down to the edge of the streamlet, which, at their extremity,
was hollowed into a basin through which the water trickled. This was
evidently the means of water supply to the dweller or dwellers in the
cottage.

A light footstep was heard descending from the higher slopes of the
hillside. Indistinct in the pathway appeared a moving female shape, who
advanced and knocked timidly at the door. No answer being returned the
knock was repeated, with the same result, and it was then repeated a
third time. This also was unsuccessful.

From one of the only two windows on the ground floor which were not
boarded up came rays of light, no shutter or curtain obscuring the room
from the eyes of a passer on the outside. So few walked that way after
nightfall that any such means to secure secrecy were probably deemed
unnecessary.

The inequality of the rays falling upon the trees outside told that the
light had its origin in a flickering fire only. The visitor, after the
third knocking, stepped a little to the left in order to gain a view of
the interior, and threw back the hood from her face. The dancing yellow
sheen revealed the fair and anxious countenance of Elfride.

Inside the house this firelight was enough to illumine the room
distinctly, and to show that the furniture of the cottage was superior
to what might have been expected from so unpromising an exterior. It
also showed to Elfride that the room was empty. Beyond the light quiver
and flap of the flames nothing moved or was audible therein.

She turned the handle and entered, throwing off the cloak which
enveloped her, under which she appeared without hat or bonnet, and
in the sort of half-toilette country people ordinarily dine in. Then
advancing to the foot of the staircase she called distinctly, but
somewhat fearfully, 'Mrs. Jethway!'

No answer.

With a look of relief and regret combined, denoting that ease came to
the heart and disappointment to the brain, Elfride paused for several
minutes, as if undecided how to act. Determining to wait, she sat down
on a chair. The minutes drew on, and after sitting on the thorns of
impatience for half an hour, she searched her pocket, took therefrom a
letter, and tore off the blank leaf. Then taking out a pencil she wrote
upon the paper:

'DEAR MRS. JETHWAY,--I have been to visit you. I wanted much to see
you, but I cannot wait any longer. I came to beg you