-book:--

I implore, I entreat you, Miss Brandon, to see me, if but for a
moment. I purpose to tear myself away from the place in which you
reside, to go abroad, to leave even the spot hallowed by your
footstep. After this night my presence, my presumption, will
degrade you no more. But this night, for mercy's sake, see me, or I
shall go mad! I will but speak to you one instant: this is all I
ask. If you grant me this prayer, the walk to the left where you
stand, at the entrance to which there is one purple lamp, will
afford an opportunity to your mercy. A few yards down that walk I
will meet you,--none can see or hear us. Will you grant this? I
know not, I dare not think; but under any case, your name shall be
the last upon my lips.
P. C.

As Lucy read this hurried scrawl, she glanced towards the lamp above
her, and saw that she had accidentally entered the very walk indicated
in the note. She paused, she hesitated; the impropriety, the singularity
of the request, darted upon her at once; on the other hand, the anxious
voice still ringing in her ear, the incoherent vehemence of the note,
the risk, the opprobrium Clifford had incurred solely--her heart
whispered--to see her, all aided her simple temper, her kind feelings,
and her love for the petitioner, in inducing her to consent. She cast
one glance behind,--all seemed occupied with far other thoughts than
that of notice towards her; she looked anxiously before,--all looked
gloomy and indistinct; but suddenly, at some little distance, she
descried a dark figure in motion. She felt her knees shake under her,
her heart beat violently; she moved onward a few paces, again paused,
and looked back. The figure before her moved as in approach; she resumed
courage, and advanced,--the figure was by her side.

"How generous, how condescending, is this goodness in Miss Brandon!"
said the voice, which so struggled with secret and strong emotion that
Lucy scarcely recognized it as Clifford's. "I did not dare to expect it;
and now--now that I meet you--" Clifford paused, as if seeking words;
and Lucy, even through the dark, perceived that her strange companion
was powerfully excited; she waited for him to continue, but observing
that he walked on in silence, she said, though with a trembling voice,
"Indeed, Mr. Clifford, I fear that it is very, very improper in me