ly.

"I heard him," I answered.

"I did not believe him," she went on; "I could not, something told me
even then that you were near me, and so I was not afraid--but oh, I
shudder at it now."

"Thank God I was in time," I said; "and yet I cannot think he would
have dared to do what he threatened."

"I do not know, Roger; I dare not think of it; but what passed between
you after you came here?"

Then I told her all, told her of the curse which was said to belong to
our race, and related how Wilfred had sworn that if it could reach me I
should never know happiness.

"Do you think it is true," I said, at length; "or do you think these
stories are only vague rumours and idle tales?"

"I cannot say," she answered. "Your mother told me many wild stories
when I used to live at Trewinion Manor, and I thought they were true."

"Then," I said, "if it is true, I cannot allow you to link your life
with mine. Why should I bring pain and sorrow on your?"

"I do not know whether these stories are true," she repeated; "but,
Roger, I am yours always. If you are to have sorrows, I intend to bear
them with you. I do not believe a curse can fall on a heart that is
full of love like yours; but if you are to be cursed, Roger, I shall
help you to bear it."

And thus there was light, even on the one black cloud of the sky of my
life.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE DAWNING OF THE MORNING

I would fain linger over that evening, and the days which followed. To
me a new life full of joy and pleasure began. And yet I did not feel
quite at rest. A fear constantly haunted me that Ruth would be taken
away from me, so I begged her that there should be no delay in
arranging for our wedding.

When I left her the following morning, I made her promise that she
would not go out of the house, unless under sufficient escort, while
she in return made me promise that I would not for any length of time
stay away from her. With a sad heart I mounted Black Bess to ride back
to Trewinion Manor, and watched her until we could no longer see each
other as she stood with tearful eyes at the hall door, but it was only
to be for a day, for on the morrow I determined I would return.

I found my mother anxiously awaiting me when I arrived home. She was,
however, relieved beyond measure when I told her of the defeat of
Wilfred's schemes.

"And you, Roger?" she asked anxiously, "are you going to give me Ruth
for a daughter?"

I think my answer sat