ill at a distance; and now it appeared that she had
escaped from the dogs, and was proceeding with her cart along a gravelly
path which traversed a wild moor; I could hear the wheels grating amidst
sand and gravel. The next moment I was awake, and found myself silting
up in my tent; there was a glimmer of light through the canvas caused by
the fire. A feeling of dread came over me, which was perhaps natural on
starting suddenly from one's sleep in that wild lone place; I half
imagined that someone was nigh the tent; the idea made me rather
uncomfortable, and, to dissipate it, I lifted up the canvas of the door
and peeped out, and, lo! I had an indistinct view of a tall figure
standing by the tent. 'Who is that?' said I, whilst I felt my blood rush
to my heart. 'It is I,' said the voice of Isopel Berners; 'you little
expected me, I dare say; well, sleep on, I do not wish to disturb you.'
'But I was expecting you,' said I, recovering myself, 'as you may see by
the fire and the kettle. I will be with you in a moment.'

Putting on in haste the articles of dress which I had flung off, I came
out of the tent, and addressing myself to Isopel, who was standing beside
her cart, I said: 'Just as I was about to retire to rest I thought it
possible that you might come to-night, and got everything in readiness
for you. Now, sit down by the fire whilst I lead the donkey and cart to
the place where you stay; I will unharness the animal, and presently come
and join you.' 'I need not trouble you,' said Isopel; 'I will go myself
and see after my things.' 'We will go together,' said I, 'and then
return and have some tea.' Isopel made no objection, and in about half
an hour we had arranged everything at her quarters. I then hastened and
prepared tea. Presently Isopel rejoined me, bringing her stool; she had
divested herself of her bonnet, and her hair fell over her shoulders; she
sat down, and I poured out the beverage, handing her a cup. 'Have you
made a long journey to-night?' said I. 'A very long one,' replied Belle,
'I have come nearly twenty miles since six o'clock.' 'I believe I heard
you coming in my sleep,' said I; 'did the dogs above bark at you?'
'Yes,' said Isopel, 'very violently; did you think of me in your sleep?'
'No,' said I, 'I was thinking of Ursula and something she had told me.'
'When and where was that?' said Isopel. 'Yesterday evening,' said I,
'beneath the dingle hedge.' 'Then you were talking with her