"It may be for the last time." The maid fell behind.

Andrew and his companion, who seemed smaller and slimmer than ever by his side, started on their tortuous way, here and there turning to the right and to the left to follow the course of some tidal stream, or avoid the swampy places.

The faint odour of wild lavender was mingled with the brackish scent of the sea.

The ground was soft and spongy beneath their feet, and a breeze as soft as a caress blew in their faces.

Up before them always, gaunt and bare, surrounded by its belts of weather-stricken trees, stood the Red Hall.