ke a
cover from a pot. The equatorial stood in the midst as it had stood
before.

Having executed its grotesque purpose the wind sank to comparative
mildness. Swithin took advantage of this lull by covering up the
instruments with cloths, after which the betrothed couple prepared to go
downstairs.

But the events of the night had not yet fully disclosed themselves. At
this moment there was a sound of footsteps and a knocking at the door
below.

'It can't be for me!' said Lady Constantine. 'I retired to my room
before leaving the house, and told them on no account to disturb me.'

She remained at the top while Swithin went down the spiral. In the gloom
he beheld Hannah.

'O Master Swithin, can ye come home! The wind have blowed down the
chimley that don't smoke, and the pinning-end with it; and the old
ancient house, that have been in your family so long as the memory of
man, is naked to the world! It is a mercy that your grammer were not
killed, sitting by the hearth, poor old soul, and soon to walk wi'
God,--for 'a 's getting wambling on her pins, Mr. Swithin, as aged folks
do. As I say, 'a was all but murdered by the elements, and doing no more
harm than the babes in the wood, nor speaking one harmful word. And the
fire and smoke were blowed all across house like a chapter in Revelation;
and your poor reverent father's features scorched to flakes, looking like
the vilest ruffian, and the gilt frame spoiled! Every flitch, every eye-
piece, and every chine is buried under the walling; and I fed them pigs
with my own hands, Master Swithin, little thinking they would come to
this end. Do ye collect yourself, Mr. Swithin, and come at once!'

'I will,--I will. I'll follow you in a moment. Do you hasten back again
and assist.'

When Hannah had departed the young man ran up to Lady Constantine, to
whom he explained the accident. After sympathizing with old Mrs. Martin
Lady Constantine added, 'I thought something would occur to mar our
scheme!'

'I am not quite sure of that yet.'

On a short consideration with him, she agreed to wait at the top of the
tower till he could come back and inform her if the accident were really
so serious as to interfere with his plan for departure. He then left
her, and there she sat in the dark, alone, looking over the parapet, and
straining her eyes in the direction of the homestead.

At first all was obscurity; but when he had been gone about ten minutes
lights bega