Margaret and Gerard ran into the house, whither they were speedily followed by Martin.
"The road is clear," said he, "and a heavy storm coming on." His words proved true.

The thunder came nearer and nearer till it crashed overhead: the flashes followed one another close, like the strokes of a whip, and the rain fell in torrents.

Margaret hid her face not to see the lightning.

On this, Gerard put up the rough shutter and lighted a candle.

The lovers consulted together, and Gerard blessed the storm that gave him a few hours more with Margaret.