Let no fear of me, of my safety, add its pang; mine own Nigel, indeed I fear them not." "I know that all I urge will naught avail with thee, beloved," he answered, somewhat less agitated.

"I know thy gentle love is all too deep, too pure, too strong, to share my fears for thee, and oh, I bless thee, bless thee for the sweet solace of that faithful love! yet, yet, I may not listen to thy wishes.

All that thou sayest is but confirmation of the brooding evil; they are active, willing, but to hide their dark designs.

Yet even were there not this evil to dread, no dream of treachery, still, still, I would send thee hence, sweet one.

Famine and blood, and chains, and death--oh, no, no! thou must not stay for these." "And whither wouldst thou send me, Nigel, and for what ?" she asked, still calmly, though her quivering lip denoted that self-possession was fast failing.