r body bent slightly forward. I
was forming conjectures as to her motive, when I saw her moving away
from the spot. In another instant, she appeared in the doorway--this
time evidently with some design, as her manner clearly betokened. For a
moment she stood upon the stoop, fronting towards me--but with her face
averted, and her eyes by a side-glance directed towards the rear of the
hut. She appeared to look and listens--as if noting the position of the
men; and then, seemingly satisfied that she was not herself observed,
she suddenly faced round, and came running towards me!

Taken by surprise--a surprise mingled with sweet satisfaction--I rose to
my feet; and stood silently but respectfully awaiting her approach. I
had acted with prudence in not speaking: for I saw by her manner that
the movement was a stolen one. Moreover, the finger, raised for an
instant to her lips, admonished me to silence. I understood the signal,
so piquantly given; and obeyed it. In another instant she was near--
near enough for me to hear her words--delivered in a half-whisper. She
had paused before me in an attitude that betokened the fear of
interruption; and, before speaking, again cast behind her another of
those unquiet looks.

"Brave stranger!" said she, in a hurried undertone, "I know you are not
afraid of my father; but oh, sir! for mercy's sake, do not fight with
him!"

"For _your_ sake," I said, interrupting her, and speaking in a low but
impressive tone--"for your sake, fair Lilian, I shall not fight with
him. Trust me, there is no fear. I shall bear anything, rather than--"

"Hush!" said she, again motioning me to silence, at the same time
glancing furtively behind her. "You must not speak: you may be heard!
Only listen to me. I know why you are here. I came out to tell you
something."

"I listen."

"Father does not now wish to quarrel with you: he has changed his mind.
I have just heard what they said. He intends to make you a proposal.
Oh, sir! if you can, please agree to it; for then there--will be no
trouble. I hope there will be none!"

"For you, fair Lilian, I shall agree to it--whatever the conditions be.
Can you tell me what proposal he intends making me?"

"I heard him say he would _sell_--Oh, mercy! they are coming--if I am
seen--"

The murmuring words were drowned by the louder voices of the men--who
were now heard returning round the angle of the wall. Fortunately,
before they had reached t