summoned to a birth, and may be yet away for many hours.
Yet how can I ope the door to you--at night--he not at home--I alone?
I ought not--cannot--yet do I believe you. You surely never could be so
base as to invent this tale."

"No--upon my hopes of future bliss I could not, maiden! you must not
trifle with your life and honour, but let me in."

"And if I did, what could you do against such numbers?"

"They are four to one--would soon overpower you, and one more life would
be lost."

"Not if you have arms; and I think your father would not be left without
them. I fear them not--you know that I am resolute."

"I do indeed--and now you'd risk your life for those you did assail. I
thank you, thank you kindly, sir--but dare not ope the door."

"Then, maiden, if you'll not admit me, here will I now remain; without
arms, and but ill able to contend with four armed villains; but still,
here will I remain and prove my truth to one I will protect 'gainst any
odds--yes, even here!"

"Then shall I be thy murderer!--but that must not be. Oh! sir--swear,
swear by all that's holy, and by all that's pure, that--you do not
deceive me."

"I swear by thyself, maiden, than all to me more sacred!"

The casement closed, and in a short time a light appeared above. In a
minute or two more the door was opened to Philip by the fair daughter of
Mynheer Poots. She stood with the candle in her right hand, the colour
in her cheeks varying--now flushing red, and again deadly pale. Her
left hand was down by her side, and in it she held a pistol half
concealed. Philip perceived this precaution on her part, but took no
notice of it; he wished to re-assure her.

"Maiden!" said he, not entering, "if you still have doubts--if you think
you have been ill advised in giving me admission--there is yet time to
close the door against me; but for your own sake I entreat you not.
Before the moon is up, the robbers will be here. With my life I will
protect you, if you will but trust me. Who indeed could injure one like
you?"

She was indeed (as she stood irresolute and perplexed from the
peculiarity of her situation, yet not wanting in courage when it was to
be called forth) an object well worthy of gaze and admiration. Her
features thrown into broad light and shade by the candle which at times
was half extinguished by the wind--her symmetry of form and the
gracefulness and singularity of her attire--were matter of astonishment
to Philip