If the villain from whom I had the happiness to release you be yet more deeply implicated in your sorrows, tell me how they can be relieved, and I will attempt it.

I shall make no new enemies by the deed, for the Southrons and I are at eternal enmity." Helen could not withdraw her eyes from his varying countenance, which, from underneath his dark plumes, seemed like a portentous cloud, at intervals to emit the rays of the cheering sun, or the lightning of threatening thunder.

"Alas!" replied she, "ill should I repay such nobleness were I to involve it in the calamities of my house.

No, generous stranger, I must remain unknown.

Leave me with the hermit; and from his cell I will send to some relation to take me thence." "I urge you no more, gentle lady," replied the knight, rising; "were I at the head of an army, instead of a handful of men, I might then have a better argument for offering my services; but as it is, I feel my weakness, and seek to know no further." Helen trembled with unaccountable emotion.