He proclaimed himself King of Darkness and Flame; and when he heard your tools at work on coal-beds which he considered entirely his own, he became furious and beat me cruelly.

I would have fled from him, but it was impossible, so narrowly did he watch me.

At last, in a fit of ungovernable fury, he threw me down into the abyss where you found me, and disappeared, vainly calling on Harfang, which faithfully stayed by me, to follow him.

I know not how long I remained there, but I felt I was at the point of death when you, my Harry, came and saved me.
But now you all see that the grandchild of old Silfax can never be the wife of Harry Ford, because it would be certain death to you all!" "Nell!" cried Harry.
"No," continued the maiden, "my resolution is taken.

By one means only can your ruin be averted; I must return to my grandfather.