Lord William's bosom;--he had
pressed her to his heart in token of forgiveness; but he held only the
cold and clammy shrine--the idol had departed!

According to the popular solution of this fearful mystery, a demon or
familiar had reanimated her form while she lay senseless at the sudden
and unlooked-for dissolution of the witches' assembly. In this shape the
imp had joined the rendezvous at the mill, and fleeing from the effects
of Robin's valour, maliciously hoped that Lord William would execute a
swift vengeance on his erring bride. But his hand was stayed by another
and more merciful power, and the demon was cast out.

The ring and glove were not found. It was said that Mause Helston had
taken them as a gage of fealty, and dying about the same period, was
denied the rites of Christian burial. Hence may have arisen the belief
which tradition has preserved respecting the Lady Sibyl.

Popular superstition still alleges that her grave was dug where the dark
"Eagle Crag" shoots out its cold bare peak into the sky. Often, it is
said, on the eve of All-Hallows, do the hound and the milk-white doe
meet on the crag--a spectre huntsman in full chase. The belated peasant
crosses himself at the sound as he remembers the fate of "The Witch of
Bernshaw Tower."

[Illustration: LATHOM HOUSE AS IT EXISTED BEFORE THE SIEGE, RESTORED
FROM EXISTING DOCUMENTS.

_Drawn by G. Pickering. Engraved by Edw^d Finden._]

FOOTNOTES:

[42] "Riggin'" or ridging. The hills which divide the counties of York
and Lancaster are sometimes called "th' riggin'," from their being the
highest land between the two seas forming part of what is called the
backbone of England. An individual residing at a place named "The
Summit," from its situation, was asked where he lived. "I live at th'
riggin' o' th' warld, I reckon," says he; "for th' water fro' t' one
side o' th' roof fa's to th' east sea, an' t' other to th' west sea."

SIEGE OF LATHOM.

"Let me no longer live, she sayd,
Than to my lord I true remain;
My honour shall not be betray'd
Until I see my love again.

* * * * *

"Oh! blame her not if she was glad
When she her lord again had seen.
Thrice welcome home, my dear, she said,--
A long time absent thou hast been:
The wars shall never more deprive
Me of my lord whilst I'm alive."

--_Mirrour for Married Women_.

No authentic drawing or representa