now
safely speak face to face with her--that is, if opportunity should be
found for an interview. To seek that opportunity, therefore, were we
returning a second time to the rear of the waggons. The candle was yet
burning under the tilt. Its flame feebly illuminated the canvas. We
drew near with stealthy tread, taking notice that we were not observed.
We stood once more by the end of the huge vehicle. We were raising our
eyes to look through the curtain, when at that instant the light went
out. Some one had suddenly extinguished it! One might have regarded
this as an ill omen; but, the moment after, we could hear a slight
rustling sound--as of some one moving under the cover of the waggon, and
passing along towards its hinder end. We stood silent, listening to the
sound. It ceased at length; but, immediately after, the edge of the
curtain was raised slowly, and without noise. A face appeared in the
opening! There was scarcely any light; but even through the grim
darkness that lovely face gleamed soft and white. Marian stood nearest,
and easily recognised it. In a tender tone she pronounced the magic
word: "Sister!"

"O Marian! sister! is it you?"

"Yes, dearest Lil! But hush! speak low!"

"Are you yet alive, dear Marian? or am I dreaming?"

"No dream, sister, but a reality."

"O mercy! tell me, sister--"

"All--all--but not now--there is no time."

"But _he_, dear sister? who is he that is with you?"

I stepped near enough to reply in a whisper: "One, Lilian, who _thinks
of thee_!"

"O sir! Edward!--Edward!--it is you!"

"Hush!" whispered Marian, again interposing with a quick gesture of
caution. "Speak only in whispers! Lilian!" continued she in a firm
tone, "you must fly with us!"

"From our father? Do you mean that, Marian?"

"From our father--ay, even from him!"

"O dear sister! what will he say? what will he do, if I forsake him?--
Our poor father!--"

There was anguish in the tones of her voice, that told of filial
affection still strong and true, however much it may have been trampled
upon.

"Say and do?" interrupted Marian. "He will rejoice--_should_ rejoice--
when he knows the danger from which you have escaped. O sister! dear
sister! believe me--believe your own Marian! A fearful fate is before
you. Flight with us can alone save you. Even father will soon be
powerless to protect you, _as he was to protect me_. Do not hesitate
then, but say you will go with us? Once