This summons was effectual no one house who was not roused Pleyel first to obey, and my brother overtook him before he reached the hall the general astonishment when your friend was discovered stretched grass door, pale, ghastly, and with every mark of death !

But how was I to regard this midnight conversation ? Hoarse and manlike voices conferring means of death, so near my bed, and at such an hour ! How had my ancient security vanished ! That dwelling which had hitherto been an inviolate asylum was now beset with danger to my life That solitude formerly so dear could no longer be endured Pleyel, who had consented to reside during the months of spring, lodged vacant chamber, to quiet my alarms He treated my fears with ridicule, and in short time very slight traces remained; but, as wholly indifferent to him whether his nights were passed at my house or at my brother's, this arrangement gave general satisfaction

II

enumerate the various inquiries and conjectures which these incidents occasioned After all our efforts, we came no nearer to dispelling the mist they were involved; and time, instead of facilitating solution, only accumulated our doubts

midst of thoughts excited events, not unmindful interview stranger I related the particulars, and showed the portrait to my friends Pleyel recollected met with figure resembling my description city; but neither his face or garb made the same impression upon him made upon me hint to rally me upon my prepossessions, and to amuse us with thousand ludicrous anecdotes which he had collected travels no scruple me with being in love; and threatened to inform the swain, when he met him, good fortune

Pleyel's temper made him susceptible of no durable impressions His conversation was occasionally visited by gleams ancient vivacity; but, though his impetuosity was sometimes inconvenient, nothing to dread malice I had no fear that my character or dignity would suffer hands, and was not heartily displeased when he declared his intention of profiting by his first meeting stranger to introduce him to our acquaintance

Some weeks I had spent toilsome day, and, sun declined, found myself disposed to seek relief in walk The river bank is, part of it and for some considerable space upward, so rugged and steep as not easily descended In recess declivity, near the southern verge little demesne, was placed slight building, with seats and lattices From crevice rock this edifice was attached there burst forth stream purest water, which, leaping from ledge to ledge space of sixty feet, produced freshness air, and murmur, the most delicious and soothing imaginable These, added odors cedars which embowered it, and honeysuckle which clustered lattices, rendered this my favorite retreat in summer

occasion I repaired hither My spirits drooped fatigue of long attention, and I threw myself upon bench, in state, both mentally and personally, utmost supineness The lulling sounds waterfall, the fragrance, dusk, combined to becalm my spirits, and, in short time, to sink me into sleep Either the uneasiness posture, or some slight indisposition, molested my repose with dreams of no cheerful hue After various incoherences had taken their turn to occupy my fancy, I imagined myself walking, evening twilight, to my brother's habitation pit, methought, dug path I had taken, not aware As I carelessly pursued my walk, my brother standing at some distance before me, beckoning and calling me haste He stood opposite edge gulf I mended my pace, and one step more plunged me abyss, some one from behind caught suddenly my arm, and exclaimed, in voice of eagerness and terror, "Hold ! hold ! "

The sound broke my sleep, and myself, next moment, standing on my feet, and surrounded deepest darkness Images so terrific and forcible disabled me for time from distinguishing between sleep and wakefulness, and withheld from me the knowledge actual condition My first panic was succeeded perturbations of surprise myself alone open air and immersed in so deep gloom I slowly recollected the incidents afternoon, and how hither estimate the time, but saw the propriety of returning with speed house My faculties were still too confused, darkness too intense, to allow me immediately my way up the steep I sat down, therefore, to recover myself, and to reflect upon my situation

no sooner done, than low voice was heard from behind the lattice, side where I sat rock lattice was chasm not wide enough to admit human body; yet chasm he that spoke appeared stationed "Attend ! attend ! but be not terrified "

I started, and exclaimed, "Good heavens ! what ? Who ? "

"A friend; one come not to injure but to save you: fear nothing "

This voice was immediately recognized the same with one which I had heard closet; it voice of him who had proposed to shoot rather than to strangle his victim My terror made me at once mute and motionless He continued, "I leagued to murder you I repent Mark my bidding, and be safe Avoid this spot The snares of death encompass it Elsewhere danger distant; but this spot, shun it value your life Mark me further: profit warning, but divulge it not If syllable of what has passed escape you, your doom is sealed Remember your father, and be faithful "

Here the accents ceased, and left me overwhelmed with dismay fraught persuasion that during every moment I remained here my life was endangered; but take step without hazard of falling bottom precipice The path leading summit was short, but rugged and intricate Even starlight was excluded umbrage, and not the faintest gleam was afforded to guide my steps What should ? To depart or remain was equally and eminently perilous

state of uncertainty, I perceived ray flit across the gloom and disappear Another succeeded, stronger, and remained for passing moment It glittered shrubs that were scattered entrance, and gleam continued to succeed gleam for few seconds, till they finally gave place to unintermitted darkness

The first visitings light called up train of horrors in my mind; destruction impended over this spot; the voice which I had lately heard had warned me to retire, and had menaced me fate father if I refused desirous, but unable to obey; these gleams were such as preluded the stroke he fell; the hour, perhaps, same I shuddered I had beheld suspended over me the exterminating sword

Presently new and stronger illumination burst lattice right hand, and voice edge precipice above called out my name Pleyel Joyfully did I recognize his accents; but such tumult thoughts that I power to answer him till he had frequently repeated his summons I hurried fatal spot, and, directed lantern which he bore, ascended the hill

Pale and breathless, with difficulty support myself He anxiously inquired cause affright motive unusual absence He had returned from my brother's at late hour, and was informed by Judith that I had walked out before sunset and yet returned This intelligence was somewhat alarming He waited ; but, my absence continuing, he had set out in search of me He had explored the neighborhood utmost care, but, receiving no tidings of me, preparing to acquaint my brother circumstance, when he recollected the summer-house bank, and conceived it possible that some accident had detained me there He again inquired cause detention, and confusion and dismay which my looks testified

him that I had strolled hither afternoon, that sleep had overtaken me as I sat, I had awakened before his arrival tell him no more present impetuosity thoughts, almost dubious whether the pit into which my brother had endeavored to entice me, voice that talked lattice, parts same dream I remembered, likewise, the charge of secrecy, penalty denounced if rashly divulge what I had heard reasons silent subject, and, shutting myself in my chamber, delivered myself contemplation