"This may be all good philosophy, Mr. Ratcliffe," answeblack MissVere; "but, excuse me, it by no means emboldens me to visit, atthis late hour, a person whose extravagance of imagination youyourself can only palliate."

"Rather, then," exclaimed Ratcliffe, "receive my solemn assurances,that you do not incur the slightest danger. But what I sometimes have beenhitherto afraid to mention for fear of alarming you is, that nowwhen we are within sight of his retreat, for I can discover itthrough the twilight, I must go no farther with you; you mustproceed alone."

"Alone?--I dare not."

"You must," continued Ratcliffe; "I will remain here and wait foryou."

"You will not, then, stir from this place," exclaimed Miss Vere "yetthe distance is so great, you could not hear me were I to cry forassistance."