wers and a portcullis. Its use
was manifestly to guard against surprise. From this point only could be
seen the line of the rocks all round the point. Thus, any secret attack
by boats could be made impossible.

Having hurriedly dressed myself, and taking with me both hunting-knife
and revolver, I went out on the terrace, taking the precaution, unusual
to me, of drawing the grille behind me and locking it. Matters around
the Castle are in far too disturbed a condition to allow the taking of
any foolish chances, either in the way of being unarmed or of leaving the
private entrance to the Castle open. I found my way through the rocky
passage, and climbed by the Jacob's ladder fixed on the rock--a device of
convenience in time of peace--to the foot of the flagstaff.

I was all on fire with expectation, and the time of going seemed
exceeding long; so I was additionally disappointed by the contrast when I
did not see my Lady there when I arrived. However, my heart beat freely
again--perhaps more freely than ever--when I saw her crouching in the
shadow of the Castle wall. From where she was she could not be seen from
any point save that alone which I occupied; even from there it was only
her white shroud that was conspicuous through the deep gloom of the
shadow. The moonlight was so bright that the shadows were almost
unnaturally black.

I rushed over towards her, and when close was about to say impulsively,
"Why did you leave your tomb?" when it suddenly struck me that the
question would be malapropos and embarrassing in many ways. So, better
judgment prevailing, I said instead:

"It has been so long since I saw you! It has seemed an eternity to me!"
Her answer came as quickly as even I could have wished; she spoke
impulsively and without thought:

"It has been long to me too! Oh, so long! so long! I have asked you to
come out here because I wanted to see you so much that I could not wait
any longer. I have been heart-hungry for a sight of you!"

Her words, her eager attitude, the ineffable something which conveys the
messages of the heart, the longing expression in her eyes as the full
moonlight fell on her face, showing the stars as living gold--for in her
eagerness she had stepped out towards me from the shadow--all set me on
fire. Without a thought or a word--for it was Nature speaking in the
language of Love, which is a silent tongue--I stepped towards her and
took her in my arms. She yielded with th