hen he paused. The maiden was not long in finding words.
There was a flush on her cheek and a tear hanging on her eyelash which
made Jean very happy. "You must go," she said, "but where? Your life is
forfeit! forfeit to the Gods!" She shuddered as she said this. "In
yonder tower lives my mother, on the shore are my people; there is no
escape on either hand! A chance has saved you hitherto; none dare
approach our home without my mother's permission, which is rarely given;
but on this spot they may find you, may seize you, may--!" She stopped,
with an expression of horror, and covered her face with her hands.

But Jean was not anxious; he was radiant with happiness. He seated
himself and spoke of love, deep passionate love; so gentle was he, so
soft, so courteous, and yet so ardent, that the maiden trembled; when he
dared to take her hand she did not withdraw it. The moment of bliss was
brief; a step was heard. "Hide yourself quickly," she whispered, "Tita
is returning." Jean promptly obeyed the injunction. The old woman
arrived with a well-filled wallet, and looked fondly at her young
mistress. The signs of recent agitation struck her. "What has befallen
thee, Hilda?" she cried anxiously. The girl took her arm and led her
seawards. Jean, watching, could see the start and angry expression of
the older, the coaxing, pleading attitude of the younger woman; he could
satisfy himself that the resistance of the former was gradually being
overcome, and as they returned he saw that the maiden's victory was
indisputable. She summoned Jean, who was inspected by Tita at first with
distrust, then with modified approval. "You must stay here," said the
maiden earnestly, "closely hidden till nightfall; my absence has been
already sufficiently long, and nothing can be done while daylight
lasts." Bidding him farewell she sped with her guardian towards the
tower, while Jean retired to his bushes a prey to fond thoughts and
feverish hopes.

Before sundown he saw the tall figure of the sorceress wending
landwards. She did not approach the spring. Hilda quickly followed with
her former companion. "We have a long journey," she said, "and short
time: we must start at once." Removing all traces of his lair he obeyed
without hesitation. They ascended the steep cliff. The night was clear,
the moon at this hour was bright and lustrous. "We have three hours,"
said the maiden, "ere we leave our guest!"--she looked archly at Jean as
she thus describe