s too ridiculous! Many accidents may happen. And
isn't November a very bad time for storms? Ships often get wrecked going
out to the West Indies, don't they?"

At another time Trelyon would have laughed at this bloodthirsty young
woman: at this moment he was too serious. "Mabyn," said he, "I can't
bear this any longer--standing by like a fool and looking on while
another man is doing his best to marry Wenna: I can't go on like this
any longer. Mabyn, when did you say she would leave Mr. Trewhella's
house to-night?"

"I did not say anything about it. I suppose we shall leave about
ten--the young ones leave at nine."

"You will be there?"

"Yes, Wenna and I are to keep order."

"Nobody else with you?"

"No."

He looked at her rather hesitatingly. "And supposing, Mabyn," he said
slowly--"supposing you and Wenna were to leave at ten, and that it is a
beautiful clear night, you might walk down by the wood instead of the
road; and then, supposing that you came out on the road down at the
foot, and you found there a carriage and pair of horses--"

Mabyn began to look alarmed.

"And if I was there," he continued more rapidly, "and I said to Wenna
suddenly, 'Now, Wenna, think nothing, but come and save yourself from
this marriage. There is your sister will come with you; and I will drive
you to Plymouth.'"

"Oh, Mr. Trelyon!" Mabyn cried with a sudden joy in her face, "she would
do it! she would do it!"

"And you, would you come too?" he demanded.

"Yes!" the girl cried, full of excitement. "And then, Mr. Trelyon, and
then?"

"Why," he cried boldly, "up to London at once--twenty-four hours' start
of everybody--and in London we are safe. Then, you know, Mabyn--"

"Yes, yes, Mr. Trelyon!"

"Don't you think now that we two could persuade her to a quick
marriage--with a special license, you know? You could persuade her, I am
sure, Mabyn."

In the gladness of her heart Mabyn felt herself at this moment ready to
fall on the young man's neck and kiss him. But she was a properly
conducted young person, and so she rose from the big block of slate on
which she had been sitting and managed to suppress any great intimation
of her abounding joy. But she was very proud, all the same, and there
was a great firmness about her lips as she said, "We will do it, Mr.
Trelyon--we will do it. Do you know why Wenna submits to this
engagement? Because she reasons with her conscience and persuades
herself that it is right. When yo