HIDDEN WITCHERY.

BY NIGEL TOURNEUR.

DECORATED
(!|atneU HtttoBrattg ffilibtarg
Stliata, Hm» Inrk

BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE

SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND

THE GIFT OF

HENRY W. SAGE
1891
Frmmpuceto ThE PASSING OF LiLlTH. fagi 103.

. .hard by the dim lake of Auber,

.

In the misty mid region of Weir.

 ONE EVER KIND,
Whose gracious personality and tender interest in a
captious invalid have made bitter-life sweet, and
dark malignant hours of sickness and doubt and
sunny moments of a gay April
care fleeting as the
morn:
THIS TENTATIVE LITTLE BOOK.
 —

ADVERTISEMENT.
. . . Till irremeable Old Age sets his knotted
hands to the shafts, Passion wheels the vehicle
of Life sometimes visibly, sometimes in-
;

visibly. . . . Throughout the follow^ing

stories and sketches — scantily in part, and, it

is feared, obscurely, through symbolism

there may
be traced the inception, growth,
strength, waywardness, and maturity of its
physical manhood, culminating in self-
knowledge and abnegation. . . .

N. T.
London, Shrovetide, 1898.
 :

CONTENTS.
PAGE
The Apogaeon of Cupid 5
The Leman's Love
I. Issola again Preferreth her Lover . .
33
IL Her Lover Meeteth a Shameful Death ,
47
in. Hatred Slayeth Itself 55
IV. Issola Redeemeth the Unshrived Soul .
74
The Tithe at the Moorstone 87
The Passing of Lilith 103
At the Sign of Kypris 123
In the Hidden Hours of the Night 149
At the Cross-Roads on the Moor 189
AND
The Potion, or, the TragicalEnding of the Loves
of Viola, Duchess of Siena, and Marzio,
Seigneur d'Alibert, her sometime Lover . . 209
THE APOGiEON OF CUPID.
 THE APOG^ON OF CUPID.
I.

NONE —
had ever observed her of this
I was certain. I had heard no one
talk of her, and I hugged my feli-
city to me.
When the mavis and blackbird lavished
their ringing notes upon the soft spring air,
and heavy boughs of peach and cherry scat-
tered fragrant blossoms upon the young green
grass, it was then, that, in the dim portals of
the woods she importuned alluringly my
panting soul.
Indeed, she had invaded my eyes with the
silent armies of her beauty rendering me a
;

pitiful vidtim to the unbounded longings of

my heart.
 !

6 Hidden Witchery,
By Dian's fountain she was wont to loiter.
There, ensconced behind a leafy sheet of
clinging ivy that veiled the entrance to the
grot, she would linger through the short
spring hours drinking in the balmy scents,
;

listening to the woodland song around her.

Often, when I, passing that way, drank of
the bubbling water that fell from the satyr's
head, I could declare her eyes were upon
me. Nay, had I not twice discovered her,
when the seals of slumber had fastened upon
her eyelids? and closer attention had but
rivetted my heart the firmer to her. What
man could withstand her beauty ? Certes
when I surprised her one afternoon lying
aslumber upon a bench, the pi6ture had
transfixed my senses, and I stood all agape
as amost veritable Cymon.
This fountain was of old-time fashioning,
and age had embellished its artistry. From
itthe glades lead in all directions; thither
came deer to drink, and all sorts of birds to
build about and bath in it.
Ofttimes approaching quietly, I would
come upon birdkind perched upon the curl-
ing snakes that wreathed about the massive
 :

Th& Apogaon of Cupid. 7

basin, all a-busy pruning and dressing their
dainty plumes ; so, from frequent sight they
closed an acquaintance, even to perching
uponmy outstretched hand.
Many times had they seen Nay, did
her.
they not see my lady every hour she was
abroad, for whence their amorous twitterings
and play. Only her presence could bestow
such joys.
Sometimes, as I lay deep in the wind-
blown grasses, weaving idle rhymes and
lending an ear to the many murmurs in the
air, it was, as she were nigh. Then my
eager heart leapt up to encounter the steady
gaze of her starlike eyes yet alas, she would
:

pass into another glade.

Never durst I follow. Fear of her ex-
ceeding displeasure dispelled all courage so, ;

cowing under the dread of her rebuke, I

would remain awaiting her return.
At times a formed resolve possessed me
boldly would I accost her, and, pleading my
love, risk all denial. But thought of her
countenance hardening into disdain dissolved
determination and that, notwithstanding the
;

lashing cords of love.

8 Hidden Witchery,

n.
" Youhave seen her then " he cried, and
peered amusedly at me. " I had thought as
much " and laughing softly to himself he
:

refilled his glass.

" Have you made the best of your short
acquaintance ?
" he queried. " If not I shall —
be happy to forward your projed:. But I
assure you 'tis a hopeless case."
His sneering voice recalled me. *' In-
deed " I replied " I w^as unaware any pro-
! :

je6t of mine had been committed to your

care."
" Oh" said he carelessly, " one can clearly
!

see you love her ; and I am willing to assist

in the best way possible. Few know her so
"
intimately : and he traced some letters upon
the polished oaken surface with a wine-
besmeared finger.
His confident manner nettled me. " It is
a great favour you would confer " I answered.
"Yet in truth — it is now of little avail.
Besides, your foot in this affair could not
turn the scale."
He looked up quickly.
 " — ;
!

The Apogceon of Cupid. 9

" Ho ! ho now
understand matters," he
! I
cried and, rising from the chair, my cousin
;

paced up and down the room. " 'Tis deli-

cious! she has given you, also, the short
shrift. Gad " and, cackling with delight, he
!

perched himself upon the great lounge by the

hearth.
My face reddened, but I said nothing
yet his words cut me, and I moved out from
the flickering firelight into the shadow.
" Ay," quoth he, " I was sure that would
happen. Play woman against woman, and —
the truth wells to the surface. But what !

what am I to do with Doris?" "Why!"

said I, " what has she to do with this ?
He stared at me for a second, then burst
into a peal of laughter that rattled his ribs
against his stays.
" Lord " he !
" what a dunce
gasped,
—
Doris } Why everything " and he fell a-
!

laughing again at some monstrous joke, but

losing his balance tumbled heels up into the
lounge.
'Twas humoursome to watch his thin
calves beat the air against the firelight, yet,
afraid he would hurt himself, I extricated him.
 !

lo Hidden Witchery.
He smoothed his clothes, and sat down.
" Ah " quoth he " you fairly overcame
! ;
;
me. Gad have it " and he slapped his
! I
thigh. " Take Doris off my hands. Pray,
!
do " and he leaned forward with a simpering
look upon his handsome face.
In a twinkle I had his purpose.
" Nay " replied I gravely ; " a man of the
!

world, such as you, can surely handle two

women at once."
He crowed. " Two " cried he, snapping !

his fingers " a round half dozen of 'em.

:

" But I had thought now that Favilla has

refused you, Doris would fill up the vacant
heart. She's a pretty thing brown as a —
—
berry hair, head, and hands ;" and he gazed
pensively into the fire. The withered up —
old fool
But heeded him not.
I
At last her name had rung upon my ears.
— —
" Favilla Favilla " and I repeated it softly
to myself.
This world needs be a hostile place, when
a beauteous woman cannot go forth, but there
fall instantly differences between men; and for

the most part betwixt old acquaintances.

 1;

The Apogceon of Cupid. 1

Never had held him in very great es-

I
teem, but now I hated the sight of him
viewing his person with the same sort of eye
as we were in Tothill Fields to fight a duel.
I looked him all over, eyed him as he daintily
took a pinch of rappee and arranged his
ruffles, glanced at his profile as he turned to
me and thought he looked a fool. But
;

women love to dangle a handsome idiot at

their petticoat strings. —Pshaw ! a pretty
puppet for her to play with. Yet I liked
not even the idea of mere fooling, and would
he were at the devil.
He blew the snufF from off his laces, and
grinned to himself.
" I cannot understand why women love
me " he said complacently. " No " quoth !

I sharply ; " nor I."

He moved uneasily in the chair at this,
then, reaching forward, lifted his wine-glass.
Meditatively he contemplated the ruby colour
of the port, as the firelight danced through
the facets and flashed sparks into the luscious
liquid. His lips fell apart, his brow wrinkled,
in truth, his age sat heavily upon him.
" Ay," he muttered, " one must pander
12 Hidden Witchery.
to them, flatter them to the top of their
bent and they will aye be eloquent and
;

trustful."
"Are all women to be taken with that
bait ? " inquired I sarcastically.
" Eh what 's that ? " he cried
! : and I
repeated my query.
" No " replied he with a faint cackle of
!

derisive laughter. —
" There are exceptions.
But ply your trade according to the market,
and approach a woman upon her own level.
If she 's wise flatter her intellect.
: If she 's
—
an ass well, flatter her, she is wise. But —
there are exceptions."
He sighed. I smiled.
" Ah " I cried.
!
" You are in love in
earnest."
" Not I —not I," protested he most strenu-
ously. " Indeed,
I meant but an idle game ;

and now she has swallowed hook and all.

What can I do with her? Favilla! 'tis a —
sweet name." He paused, then jumped up.
" Gad I know
! —
I'll marry her. A fine —
creature Prithee cousin wilt dance at the
! !

wedding ? " and smirking at me he left the

room.
 :

The Apogceon of Cupid. 13

His last idea must have tickled him, for,

some short time after, when smoking in the
bookroom, I heard his step crunch the gravel,
and peeping out I saw him pass the corner
gable, smiling prodigiously to himself.
Notwithstanding increasing dislike, I had
to confess to his modish attire and goodly
carriage. Indeed, with all his faults and
years, he was yet as gallant a spark as could
be found in Ranelagh Gardens on a fete
night ; and he knew it. One could not but
notice the brave way he carried himself as
he walked : I could have done that no more
than fly. When passing out from the south
lodge gates he chucked the porter's pretty
daughter 'neath the chin, and kissed her too
I durst not have done that to save my skin.
" Ay," I groaned, " the country does make
;
a bumpkin of one " and I sat and railed at
my lack of spirit.
At some distance behind the house was
ranged a shady walk of aged beeches ; and
thither I went.
Cawing crowds of rooks slanted across the
sunset sky, as they made for home ; on the
pasture land some lowing calves made the
 ;

14 Hidden Witchery.
quietness ring far and wide with their per-
sistent cries; and in the distance the spiral
smoke ascending from the neighbouring ham-
lets proclaimed the stillness of the evening
air, was only broken by the footsteps of
that
the wearied workers returning to their cots.
This avenue was a quiet and privy place
and I gave full sway to my thoughts.
I was in love, beyond doubt. Favilla
—and my lips lingered upon the favoured
name—had captured my heart, carrying all
before her triumphant sway.
His offer of acquaintance opened up a
new train of ideas : prevailing love battled
against my pride.
As is easily imagined, I had no small
desire to meet her, and, if possible upon a
formed intimacy, accomplish my intention.
But to owe aught to him with his babbling
tongue and inordinate conceit Nay, I !

would give him no debt to charge me with,

but trust Dame Fortune to favour my
cause. Yet she lived in seclusion, so, only
through him did any approach appear to
me.
Before returning to the house I paused for
 'The Apogceon of Cupid. 15

a while to gaze upon the landscape, as the

gloaming gathered.
The newly turned
sweet, earthy smell of
sods from the adjoining ploughed fields, the
noise of milking as with steady swish the
milkers filled their coggies, the distant cry of
a shepherd to his dog as it drove in the
sheep, all were beloved of me : for I was
only a country lout, unfamiliar with the
delights of routs, masquerades, gadabouts,
and the etceteras of St. James.
I was moving off, when, hearing voices, I
tarried to discern the speakers.
" I assure you," I heard him say, " 'tis the
shorter way —down by—the beeches here,
and along the field path " But
" the stile
and barred gates "
—" — voice
a soft interrupted
him I could never think to face them."
" Oh !
" he rejoined, " one can surely help
you."
" You will not be troublesome ? " was
queried —
" I know you of old."
I could fancy him snigger at this.
" Well I must have payment," cried he
! :

and they passed on.

Now is not love a subtle diviner. My
 6 "

1 Hidden Witchery,
eyes had not seen, yet at once I wist that it
was Favilla who had preceded with him.
Instantly I apprehended his intent, and,
giving way to bitter thoughts, manlike attri-
buted all sorts of wiles to her.
" Who had imagined she possessed such
coquetry ? " I cried desparingly. " Ay, wo-
men are all alike : they do but make
the tilting ground of folly. But Favilla "?
—man
and I was staggered at heart.
Then a suggestion occurred maybe after :

all my hasty judgment was ill passed. So,

curious from love and hatred, I sped down a
covert lane to the field path.
In the dim light I could see they had halted
before the first stile, and through the silent air
their voices fell distindtly upon my hearing.
" I do not even know him " she said.
"
" Why do you torment me ?
He has no acquaintance with you, then ?
"
he asked anxiously. " No " she replied
sharply — !

" must I tell you that again ? Why

"
do you question me so ?
" He is in love with you " he cried
fiercely. •'
—
You know that no person need
tell you the fool's case."
 The Apogaeon of Cupid. ly

" He —he is in love with me ?

" she re-
peated. " Am be held guilty for that?"
I to
and it seemed to me her voice rang softer.
" Favilla ? " my cousin entreated " Do
—
you " She interrupted him. " Pardon
:

—
me ? Mistress Favilla. I had not known
our acquaintance entitled any privileges."
He heeded her not, but blathered on " It is not :

of my cousin, but of myself, I wish to talk."

" Indeed," she remarked ironically, " do
you ever talk of other folk ? " " Ay," the
blockhead answered, " sometimes about you."
" Such precious compliment " cried she,
as she dropped a courtesy. " My Lord the
beau hath bereft me of my wits :
" and she
burst into a peal of silvery laughter,
I had some notion that he would find
himself in a sorry plight, for, so enwrapped
was he in his conceit and pride that he per-
ceived not the girl's fooling of him.
Suddenly mounting the stile she gained
the other side. " Now we part," she said
with a mocked sigh, and held out her hand
to him.
" But you have some minutes' walk yet "
he objedled.
 8 ;

1 Hidden Witchery.
" Ah ! I see, I must take care of you " she
cried tenderly :
" you have a delicate con-
stitution to be abroad this damp evening."
The
sarcasm was lost upon him.
" indeed good of you to think upon
It is
me he exclaimed ; " but I did not reckon
"
upon this speedy parting."
—
" 'Tis sad but too true " she rejoined
sententiously; and again proffered her hand.
" Listen to me " he mouthed. " You
promised an answer to-night and give 's it. :

My agony is unbearable."
She laughed provokingly.
" I know what you mean " she cried
" but the tongue must needs outrun your
discretion."
Then
she endeavoured to regain her hand.
" Nay, be not foolish " she exclaimed, as
holding it to his lips he covered it with
kisses. " Favilla," he murmured, " listen to
my prayer." So in a rant of words he pro-
tested his passion.
She gave no sign of hearance. For a few
seconds there was silence,
" Have you finished ? " she inquired in a
calm voice. " The next time prithee wait —
 The Apogaeon of Cupid. 19
:
for encouragement " and, snatching her
hand away, she started back.
He attempted to regain hold, but the
sudden, sharp flip-flip of her gloves against
his cheek broke his ardour. Even at my
distance could be heard the muttered curse
from the beau, as he passed over the stile in
hot pursuit.
Bursting with anger, I broke from the
spot, and pressing in gained the apex of
the angle where the paths converged.
He collided against me my left shoulder
:

sent him spinning into the dog roses upon

the hedge. No need was there for apology.
He turned upon me. " How now, you
—
d d country numskull, must I always find
you eavesdropping ? " cried he ; for he pos-
sessed a shrewd approximation of the truth.
In a moment of rashness he raised his cane
— in a second it lay on the far side of the
path.
" One needs have much leisure to stand by
and listen to your idle chatter" I retorted
warmly. " For whom did your arms gape
across the stile ? For Doris Eh ? " and I
!

progged him with my stick.

 "

20 Hidden Witchery.
He closed upon me.
"Come now!" quoth I "be steady; and
:

no mischief. Jove the maid has scurried

!

away." For my eyes could no longer discern

the white robed figure flitting through the
gloom.
" Tuts tuts " said I, " this is a sad case.
!
!

Would Chloe suffer no favour from a city

gent! Welladay, poor Cynthio! —
What is
the world coming to ?
—
" If you cannot hold your tonger at least
have sense " he muttered sullenly. " Your
sudden presence took me aback" he added
in an afterbreath.
"Ay!" replied I dryly;
that."
And we returned homewards.

III.

Through the haloed window panes of the

upper gallery the young moon threw zigzag
patterns upon the floor. I took a pensive
pleasure in planting my footsteps aye in the
same corners of the lighted patches ; some-
 The Apogcaon of Cupid. 21

what under the idea that so doing insured

luck for my heart's desire.
Backwards and forwards paraded the
I
apartment's length. I cared not for the
darkness, that, filling the long, empty spaces
between the looked so solid as to
lights,
demand dispersion when
I ploughed through
it: the stir of thought within my brain
made as though the place were full of
sunshine for I thought upon Favilla and her
;

beauty.
Her tones dwelt in my memory.
—
" He- he is in love with me. I toAm
be held guilty for that ? " And the softening
of her voice had exalted my hopes.
As I turfied upon my heel, the north door
opened, and some one entered.
I inquired, and was informed my cousin
desired to see me. He had retired to bed,
for, what between laziness and a desire to
retain his —
complexion he was as vain of his
face, as any madam can be —
he always ached
for the luxury of the pillows.
As I entered, he looked up from sipping his
cup of chocolate. Egad, he was a quizzical
sight with a nightcap drawn about his
 " —" "
!

22 Hidden Witchery.
wedge-shaped head, and an embroidered dress-
ing-gown all as fine as the Turkish Bashaw's.
"You were asking for me" I said, as I
threw myself into his padded seat. " Whew
:
this fire is scorching " and I thrust myself
from it.
He stared at me from tip to toe. " Yes !

he replied " 'tis about that girl. Who is to

;

have her ? We had better settle the matter

at once off the hand."
" Girl," quoth I, " which one Doris ?
" No," he answered, moving impatiently
—
among his bedclothes ;
" I mean not her, but
Favilla."
" Well," replied I, laying the tips of my fin-
gers together, and looking over them at him
"well, 'tis aquestion ofpreference, I'd suppose."
" She has money " he snapped out " and ;

influence." "Oho!" I cried, "here's the

gist of the matter. And your bags require
?
refilling, eh
Heglanced at me as if to slay me.
" I admit " said he, " money is a material
consideration. Yet by Gad she is a fine woman
— a fine woman. See here. Cousin Harry!
After all, it is a risky business. Some folks
 ;

T^he Apogteon of Cupid. 23

say she 's penniless, and the land passes to

the uncle. 'Tis a risky affair " he repeated,

meditatively rubbing his hands together.
" Nay I'll
! not venture upon it " he
continued " I must have security for my
:

;
person " and wagging his head at the
candles he lapsed into silence.
I glanced at his modish habiliments, then
atthe man His sordid selfishness
himself.
stung me
but he was a sodden piece of
;

humanity, and what else could one expefl: ?

Yet, that one of my kin should adt thus
heated my blood.
" Suppose she were penniless " I cried,
" what then ? " and jumping up I went to-
wards him.
Heturned his shallow face upon me.
"Lord!" quoth he. "I'd let her sink to
—
what she would a bagnio mistress " and he:

chuckled as best he could without his teeth.

" Damn you " cried I. " I'd marry her
!

—
without a penny in the shift she wears if —
she has nothing else " and I advanced upon
:

him.
He withdrew beneath his bed-clothes
his face wore a new startled look upon it.
 :;

24 Hidden Witchery.
" Good God!
" he muttered. " Take her
then, take her —
for you indeed love her."
And he turned his face to the wall.

IV.

Favilla could not rest. Upon the broad

sill of the corner lattice stood a great Chelsea
bowl filled with wallflower and jessamine.
The rich perfumes spread out upon a cur-
rent of air from the half-opened window
reaching her sensibilities they stirred up re-
membrance within her. She could not slum-
ber. She tossed hither and thither upon her
bed fain for sleep, yet it invaded not her eyes.
Among the green growths and creeping
plants clinging to the outside stone was
trained a great trail of eglantine, and, as the
wind carried them, the odorous sprays flipped
murmurous against the lattice panes.
Slowly the beat of her white forehead
took earnest of the murmur, and resolved
into the rhythm " He loves
: — he loves you."
She started. The words filled her ears
 :

The Apogeson of Cupid. 25

" He is in love No
one need tell
with you.
his case." She smiled a little, then her face
grew sweetly grave. Had she not first noted
him, as she leant out from the hall window
and gathered the starry jessamine to mix with
hawthorn for the first of May ?
And this recolledtion, quickened into exist-
ence by luscious fragrance, slowly blended
into the first notes of love's alarum.
He had not gone unnoticed. Ofttimes
had she observed him from behind the cling-
ing veil at Dian's fountain, and, reckoning up
all things, he had found favour in her eyes

that favour which is the progenitor of love.

Her face grew hot with maiden solicitude
at thought of that coxcomb's folly at the
stile for her quick eyes had recognized her
:

lover on his sudden appearance, as womanlike

she looked behind.
Dimly realizing her burning cheeks were
indeed the signals of ripening afFedtion she
strove to recall herself. This is absurd,
ridiculous, she thought, he is a stranger to
me and she endeavoured to control her
:

heart's egregious conduct. Resolutely thrust-

ing all thought of him from her, she recounted
 "

26 Hidden Witchery.
the many suitors to her hand. Many gay
sparks had knelt and vowed allegiance to her
standard; yet easily had she blotted them
from her memory's tablets. By reason of
their number she deemed herself wondrous
wise in men, and so fortified against sudden
assault. In truth she was a veritable " Tom-
boy " —
a sore romp trading in fickle hearts.
But now an indefinable feeling possessed
her and hidden love welled up, as not far
;

off a restless dreamer murmured " Favilla

in his troubled sleep.
The recurrent heart carried her back to
him, so, speedily forgetting past resolution,
she indulged in unwary speculation.
" I may see him to-morrow," she mur-
mured softly. " Dear, dear to-morrow " And !

realizing the import of her surmise, blushing,

she held her peace. Yet a tender fear of
frustrated hope increased upon her welding
;

Love's shafts tightly together.

Behind the eastern ridge of Maisondieu
dawn broadened upon the darksome sky.
Narrow bands of gold gleamed in the slits
between the sable clouds ; as they brightened,
the sullen vapours lightened and fell apart.
 —

The Apogeeon of Cupid. 27

fleecy trails of crimson and purple floated

across the glowing gulf, and the clouds re-
solved into slate-coloured hue. Slowly the
sun peered over the bordering hills, and reft
in twain the veil of darkness on the valley's
bosom.
From a beechen hedge in the orchard a
blackbird flung his joyous, rich melody into
the ear of silent morn. Favilla found no
peace. She arose, and flinging covering on
leant out at the opened lattice.
Down in the laurel thickets rang an
amorous greeting to the lover's song : the
mellow strain fluting through the stillness
proclaimed Love's reign.
And Favilla hearkened with a tender smile
upon her parted lips. Then of a sudden she
hid her traitor face within the sweet shelter
of her hands.
May, 1894 January, 1896.
A LEMAN'S LOVE.
 A LEMAN'S LOVE.
I. ISSOLA AGAIN PREFERRETH HER LoVER.

the garden close were no signs of life

INnot even a breath of wind to sway the
;

lilies to and fro. Now and again in the

outer air there echoed a stray voice and the
clink of an armourer's hammer, hut no other
sounds disturbed the silence, and the after-
noon drowsed on.
As lazy-footed Time crept along the
great shadow of the massive keep flung
across the sweltering flower-beds, a grateful
coolness tempered the heat, and birds emerg-
ing from leafy nooks made the air ring with
the music of their songs.
Issola awoke from her pleasing reverie.
D
 ;

34 Hidden Witchery.
Rising from beneath the shady tangle of
briarwood, that clustered within the porch,
she passed out overcome with sweet emotion.
With lingering steps and languid eyes she
proceeded over to the western rampart.
She slowly crossed the smooth green sward
— ever and anon to stop shortly as if her
senses were yet drugged with that love-
—
sweetened meditation to surge on again as
present intent beat upon her. A bustling
merle looked up from searching for a meal
it gave but a sidling peep then continued

the engrossing task from a gorbal high upon

:

the tower the cooing gray dove saw her;

swooping down it fluttered around, now and
again to settle upon her shoulders. But
enamouring thought still charmed her to
oblivion and Issola strayed dreamingly across
;

the flowery close.

At a turn of the steps leading to the upper
terrace there grew a clump of fleur-de-
lis ;budgeoning like bursting flames in the
darksome corner. Drawing nigh she plucked
—
of them unwittingly signaling her mis-
fortune.
The terrace-top was gained. Crossing to
 A Leman^s Love. 35

the narrow parapet, she overlooked the

ramparts ; then descending Issola lounged
listlesslyalong them.
The teeth of time and war had sorely
fastened upon the place. Here and there
the walls were loose and crumbling, and ivy
had encroached upon them ;
peace having
reigned long in the land. Warfare had ceased
with the new crown's accession. Its power
was mighty at home and abroad ; and the
people grew fat with plenty. Indeed, all
marvelled thereat. The common folk re-
joiced and were content. Only the nobles
murmured at the heavy hand of their succes-
sive rulers ;none daring to do great afts of
wantonness. —
Any man could go his way
without taking heed unto his neighbour.
Issola halted in her meandering closing
:

to the battlements she looked forth from a

crenelle. A gentle breeze blew down from
heather hills soothing her heated brows it
:

reinstalled cruel memory. The keen edge

of ever poignant sorrow slashing the thin
mantle of solacing fancy recalled her from
happy dreamland. For a second the under-
lip quivered then, recoUedting her tender
;
 ;

36 Hidden Witchery.
message, she laid a burning face upon the cool
gray stones of the narrow indent.
" Thy Love waiteth for thee with longing
heart." As she crooned the words over the
ardour of —
her passion broke in upon her full
of quickened emotion she held her breath.
Of a sudden, down upon the wind, came a
quick rhythmical beat of galloping horses.
Issola started nervously at the unwonted
sound few knew of her in her upland soli-
:

tude. And, tempted with rare expectation,

she hurried down to the gateway.
As the stairway was reached noise of the
great gates clashing clamorously together
struck upon her hearing, and babble of appre-
hensive men-folk so she tarried upon the
:

upper steps much amazed at the occurrence.

The left hand straying upon her encircling
zone remorselessly crushed the yellow bloom
the expectant attitude revealed her heart's
surmise and Issola lingered by the first turn,
:

pausing, yet poised for ready downward

flight. Through a neighbouring machicola-
tion the sun thrust in a glowing shaft falling
:

upon the arrested feet the ruddy dart burnished

the sparkling buckles into fiery-eyed gold.
 A Leman's Love. yj
In her suspense Issola stared blindly at the
vivid flecks as they stood out against the dark
sandstone steps ; yet she was intent on outside
matters, and, hearing Jellon's footsteps on the
stair,hastened down hoping against hope.
A grim smile gathered on the puckered
face of her aged retainer, as, stopping at a
loophole, he surveyed the approaching horse-
men — his fingers instinctively hugging around
the hot sword hilt. Hearing his lady's in-
quiry he relinquished his post to motion to
her to occupy it.

The sunlight poured into the narrow open-

ing as if to overpower all vision ; a keen west
wind drove in with impetuous force : but
shielding her eyes with the palms of her
hands Issola peered eagerly down into the
wooded gorge, where ran the approach.
Nothing was to be seen. Yet not far off the
track wound up to daylight; and now a gay
pennon fluttered in the breeze, a glint of ar-
mour flashed brightly then a small band of
;

horsemen defiled into easy sight. With catch-

ing breath she endeavoured to discern the
emblem wrought upon the wavy streamer,
or devine the person of the leader. But
 :

38 Hidden Witchery.
glare of the sun blinded her sight, so she
bade Jellon consider them.
He made out quickly the device of a
boar carrying a torch between its tusks
perceiving this, he informed her. Torn with
bitter disappointment and baffled expedlancy,
for a moment, she swung in the balance of
tears ; then shame controlling her spirit
immediate conjecture set in. In a trice the
knight's purpose was apparent. The thought
of his persistent endeavour brought the red
blood to her pale cheeks, and repugnancy
floating upon the high tide of anger swelled
into sudden, vehement hatred. For Sir Guy,
an assertive man and arrogant, would take no
denial of his license, yet with frequent in-
sinuation pressed his suit as she was but a
;

woman, and defenceless.

Her heady temper broke forth. Stamping
her foot, so the latchet flew asunder, she called
Jellon to deliver her. " Tell him again " she
cried shrilly, " I will have naught to do with
a gallows-faced knight. Ay, he sounds before
the gates now Has he not hawked his lanky
!

limbs enough about me I had as lief marry

.''

a bastard!" She ceased to listen to the

 A Lemans Love. 39

trumpet's blare. " Ay, tell him the boar

is best fitted for rutting in the mire and :

need he know that ? Away to him " was

!

panted out and dizzy with rage Issola rocked

;

slightly then reeled against the wall. Jellon

sprang forward to uphold her but recover-
:

ing she in faint voice ordered him to

deliver her message so reluctantly he went
;

from her.
Before the gates Sir Guy himself harangued,
demanding admittance. The warder's stolid
face betrayed no evidence of hearance he —
but stared mulishly at the gaily caparisoned
steed and its rider. The knight, overweening
in self-conceit, grew enraged at the loon's
high-stomached attitude. Drawing near to
the archway, so near, that the tip of a lance
could prick him, he essayed an attempt. Ere
the keen point slid in between the iron bars
the Jacksauce was gone, and he lunged into
empty space wellnigh overbalancing himself
;

in this sally of impetuous foolery.

In a twinkle a scoresome of men lined the
banquette above, and drawing held him at
their mercy for the knight was in light
:

array and a craven heart to boot, his men —

40 Hidden Witchery.
being distant two bowshot. Blind with rage
at his ignominious position he was spurring
towards his fellows, when Jellon thrusting
a sour face over the battlements bade him
stay; and fleering at the discomfited knight
in taunting manner he discharged his
message.
Sir Guy was all at a loss to reply. Indeed,
the burden of it was too weighty for his
immediate comprehension. As the import
penetrated his numskull, he grew dumb with
oblivious fury. Vainly he stuttered in reply
— his chin but see-sawed the air. For the
moment a notion of revenge bred fastly upon
him, but he checked the insidious suggestion :

scantiness of his following, moreso an all-

reaching hand of kingly protedtion, defeated
such proje6l. So cursing, he turned horse and
fled. Yet he brooded upon her outweighing
repugnancy and within his heart hatred
;

The
*****
of his rival ripened inchmeal into knavish
intent.

noise of the retreating band beat in

upon the hearing of Issola. She trembled
As changed into stone she remained
slightly.
 —

A Leman's Love. 41

motionless against the wall listening with

sharpened breath to the abating commotion.
The receding sounds died away in the distance ;

only the voices of her dispersing retainers

were to be heard ; but, not until the approach
of Jellon had she entire faith in the flight.
Even then suppressed fear hung about her
face— only to give way, as with much chuck-
ling her trusty man-at-arms related the dis-
comfiture of the violent knight.
Sir Guy found no favour in his eyes. It
was with a significant nod that he declared
him a cunnin g and base knight, a wary rogue ;

was ever a shifty-eyed man not that ? Did the

Lady Issola not recolledt a raid into the north
country ? But she, cutting him short, bade
him go, keep close watch ; and turning on
her heel left him.
Jellon watched her, until rounding the cor-
ners of the lower tower she passed from view.
From immemorial time his stock had served
the name of De Vescis. Nay, was himself not
the man, who with his lord had sustained
the fame of England at Askelon two men :

against the puissant infidel host. From sun-

rise to sunset the twain had held the tower
42 Hidden Witchery.
against all comers : above their heads the free
banner of England flapping in the languid
breeze— —
below that bloody stair choked with
their slain. But alas, when succour came,
his lord was far gone by reason of many
mortal wounds, and, babbling awhile of green
England and a lone little maid therein he had
died calling her name.
Jellon thought on this. Pugh once more
!

that hot, foetid stench, heavy with the stink of

stale blood and ripped-up flesh, seemed to be
puffed into his nostrils. Full of the imaginary
odour he gladly pushed his head through an
aperture, and inhaled the sweet evening air.
Issola traversed the upper passages, hot
with offence at Sir Guy's rampallion be-
haviour. He held no place in her esteem.
She loathed his gloomy face and lanky limbs.
He had naught to recommend him save
valour, —even that was tainted with suspicion.
When first he had evinced his offensive
attentions she treated him with gentle scorn,
but encouraged by her loneliness and seem-
ing negledt he had persisted in his uncivil
condu6t, notwithstanding much evidence of
deep-rooted opposition.
 A Leman's Love. 43
With beating heart and passionate thoughts
she considered his repeated insult. The
coward! to fasten his detestable company
upon a defenceless woman. Clenching soft
hands she could have slain him, had he been
by her, so beside herself was she with anger.
Never at any time had she mentioned aught
to Sir Raoul, for he, being a passionate man,
was ever ready with hand on sword: then,
the lust besotted knight might be spit like a
mammocked woodcock before his burning
dwelling. She had no fear of him. None
durst assail or lay hands upon her. For the
King rode roughshod over the land, and all
the barons feared his stern authority.
Close by, at the end of the passage, was a
covert chamber built within the wall. Issola
turned in thither clean forespent resting upon
:

the broad embrasure of an unbarred bole she

gazed down into the emblazoned west. By
degrees her shadow sank into the wall whereon
it was cast ; the crimson afterglow on the far
horizon thinned away; and labouring lines
of rooks made loops of flight as they homed
to the wooded uplands. No stir was in that
darkening chamber. Only Jellon's gruff voice
 :

44 Hidden Witchery.
floated up from the ramparts as he went his
rounds.
The damsels searching for their mistress
encountered him, and fruitlessly inquired of
her. None had seen aught of her since
early afternoon; and with lurking appre-
hensions they questioned him. He could
bestow no information, but, thinking for a
little, he bade them stay until his return

hastening through the lower tower to no

avail he turned to regain the open passing
by the covert chamber he discovered her.
;
—
Exhausted and weary Issola had fallen asleep
with her aching head resting on soft arms
crossed upon the cold, stony sill. Jellon
stepped forward to awaken her. Some tears
yet glistened upon the fair eyelashes, but a
tender smile possessed her face. " Raoul,
dear Raoul," was murmured in a passing
dream ; then, sighing heavily, the dreamer
sobbed a little in her troubled slumber.
A tightening feeling gripped Jellon by the
throat as he listened to that gentle whimper.
He recolledled, it was, when sitting by his
dying lord's side waving a withered branch
of palm to cool the heated forehead that last
 A Lemans Love. 45
he had listened to such sound. The knight's
wagging tongue had clattered in his closing
moments of his little maid, as once one
summer's day she had sat in a meadow-
prinking him with buttercups he had —
—
whimpered lightly then tossing himself up
had cried mightily " Issola Issola " and
! !

died. A curious feeling came over the

hardened man-at-arms as he thought on this :

speeding off, he returned with soft covering,

which he gently threw about his undisturbed
lady withdrawing, he sent a handmaid to
;

await beside her.

A time passed, a gate clanged, a few
little
footsteps rang in the air ;then silence. This
attradted Jellon's attention, and he proceeded
without. Suddenly the inner door of the
outer hall was opened upon him, and a little
page rushing in fell headlong against him.
Florimel was staggered by the shock, but not
a tittle was his ardour abated pulling im-
;

petuously at his opponent's jerkin he besought

him for information of his mistress.
Ere Jellon had time to reply. Sir Raoul
stood before him. He likewise inquired.
But the lad, eager to inform his ignorant lady.
 —

46 Hidden Witchery.
hearkened to the first words, and fleeting off
before them burst in upon the startled hand-
maid. From aniche in the wall a low
burning wick sent out a fitful radiance now—
the shadows played upon the sleeper's face
now upon her form. Perceiving she slum-
bered the boy halted, irresolute of his be-
haviour. Her lover solved all doubts.
He had stopped at the threshold the :

light only showing a glistening gown white

against the dark gray wall. One glimpse was
enough and he sprang forward. As he
;

bowed down to touch her lips Issola twitched

somewhat, and awakening, peered vacantly
into his face. She rubbed her heavy eyelids ;
a puzzled look flashed across her countenance.
Sir Raoul bent back a little, confounded
at her strange manner. " Say, I have not
dreamt it then ? " she cried ; and leaping up
with a whinny of delight nestled within his
outstretched arms. So Jellon slunk off
quietly with her damsel at his heels.
 11. Her Lover Meeteth a Shameful
Death.
Sir Raoul was chained tightly to Love's
chariot wheels. He cared not for the wind nor
rain, that lashed about the turrets of the sullen
donjon leaning against the upper parapet
:

he stared eastward into the black, blustering

night. He had no thoughts, but for Love's
consideration. A blinking moon threw darts
of light across the marshy plain to reveal
the mist-filled hollows of the uplands, but
scurring cloud flew in tangles across the
beaming disc, and forbade his impatient gaze.
Down in the keep his lady-mother sat
pricking upon her broidery-frame ;
yet the
scallop shell grew slowly on the pilgrim's
bonnet, and the silken weft ravelled thickly
in the red Venetian cloth. Ever and anon
she glanced at the fair face of Lady Elaine,
who sat at her feet reading aloud the story
of Paladin Roland and his knights fighting
48 Hidden Witchery.
against the Saracens. And, as the history
related of valorous fighting, the high-spirited
maid —living in the strife — retold the tale
with heightened colour and ennobled voice,
her blue eyes aglow with excitement. The
hoarse winds grew high great gouts of rain
;

poured against the shuttered boles; storm-

fiends screeched in the darkness without but:

peace within that chamber was exceeding great.

In the upper hall the fir faggots blazed
and crackled with long-tongued flames, send-
ing a furnace blast up the capacious chimney ;

massive carvings of stone threw grotesque

shapes upon the arras as the torches flickered
in the draughts and strange shadows wavered
;

in unlit corners as the fires waxed and waned.

The knight crossed the reeds with feverish
haste. Standing beneath a guttering flam-
beau he re-read her loving message :

"Issola longeth for thee." Like one over-

come by ripened wine he swayed with
lavish passion, then bending down he pressed
his lips against such foolish, sweet words.
Delicate perfume of her dear hands yet
lingered about the tiny scrip. —With instant
insinuation his memory was stirred.
 A Leman's Love. 49
While once he reclined close listening to
the stir ofher silken bodice, Issola had reached
forth to a golden pouncet-box, and, laughing
in her glee, had shook the smiling Cupid's
face, sprinkling sweet perfume upon his locks.
— Without, gay peacocks strutted in the sun,
the flowers leaned amorously to the breeze, and
joyous life forgot the creeping feet of Death.
The storm chapped about. Faint gusts of
wind penetrating within thrust forward the
hangings, whereon was enwoven the story of
Troilus and Cressida arising from their first
love sleep, whilst Pandar entered upon them.
This spedlacle jarred against Sir Raoul's rapt
aflFe6tion. He advanced towards the hearth :

glowering into the fantastic, curling flames

he pondered with swithering desire fluxing
in his hot veins. Her message recurred. As
a coiling snake amorous recolleftion encased
about his heart, and stifled all compunction.
He thirsted for her. "OGod! God! "he
murmured. How sick I am If only she
" !

—
were by me now. Heaven holds naught so
sweet as my heart's delight." Had he not
wooed in the year's month of —^wooed
lilies

Issola in the blossoming orchard close ? With

50 Hidden Witchery.
the first shy kiss she had impressed her sove-
reignty upon him ; seaHng Fate's records.
—
Only to be nigh her for one one hour!
None would know. And did she not wait for
him ?-—he must go. So passionate madness
impelled him through the sour night to her.
In the narrow cleft of Caldersheughna
bundle of wet spears stacked against the rock
gleamed in the fitful moonlight ; on an eddy
of the wind came sounds of hoarse voices
and clang of armed men.
Sir Guy walked apart from his followers,
and cursed the lengthy wait. Baulked desire
spiced the baseness of his purpose, making
him weary until his end was accomplished.
" Sir Cravenheart " he muttered. " The rain
!

daunts him. —A petty lover! 'Twould cool

his heated blood." And he laughed coarsely.
The wind sank ; the rain ceased a deep
:

silence fell upon the land: and the hunch of

Caldersheugh loomed big in the uncertain
light.
Fromout the thickness of overhanging
cloud sprang the murmuring of a moan that :

moan of lamentation from souls lost in the

desolate land whence is no return. And a
 1

A Lemans Love. 5

great fear overspread all that heard. The

sounds died away. Only the quavering calls
of startled moorbirds recorded witness of the
strange visitation.
Sir Guy halted on his heel, shuddering
with unacquainted terror; crossing himself
he hurried to his rogues, who, springing
up, had clustered together, the dice lying un-
heeded at their feet. But the dull ears of
Sir Raoul hearkened not —
he rode on tram-
melled with conceits.
As at Love's feast he lay beside his beloved,
while she dropt the luscious fruit between his
empurpled lips. Fine samite winding loosely
about unguardedly revealed her tender body
to his audacious eye; the jewelled girdle
tightening against her low, sweet bosom
thrust forward the blush roses slipped down
betwixt her budding breasts. She pressed
fragrant hands upon his beating temples, and
drew up the passionate face nearer and nearer
to her own, until his hot lips closed against
the cool white throat his arms twined about
:

her slender shoulders, and he munched the

honey of her mouth.
His jennet made slow progress in the
5? Hidden Witchery.
quaggy track; its feet clatching heavily in
the muddy ruts. It stumbled on through
pools of standing water the splashing plods
:

awoke the curlews' weeping wail, and their

eerie cries sounded about him, as they wheeled
and doubled in the darkness above.
Of asudden Sir Raoul was plucked from
his saddle a hot, clamouring burst of men
:

surrounded him. They tore him to the

ground. Bearing upon the knight they
endeavoured to bind him but wrestling
;

mightily in a moment he freed himself.

The knight fought bravely. 'Twas parry
—
and thrust speedily the bloody steel cleared
a way. A chance blow shattered it. Strik-
ing at his foes with bared hands he clove a
passage. A fierce fury broke out in him.
—
Clutching two bodies the twain nearest
—
him he smote their heads together, bursting
them like bastard nuts. Their fellows afeard
at this for a second withdrew, the knight
rushing upon them as one possessed of devils.
His foot tripped. In a trice they were on
him all falling upon Sir Raoul they had
:

smothered him as he sprawled on the heath.

Then outside the hubbub a cruel voice
 ;

A Leman^s Love. 53

cried sharply :
" Bind him, bind him, rogues ;

and bring him

!
But no man
struggled
— thither "
'twas a maddened fiend. None
durst so much as leave off him to pick up
the entangled ropes. Sir Guy jeered at his
lozels; treading forward softly he directed
them. "How now, loons!" he snarled.
" Have the wits left ye ? Pin him by
nether limbs to the ground." His men thrust
at the knight with their lances, and pegged
his writhing body to the turf. At last they
bound him amid jibes and much cursing.
Now Sir Guy strode forward, and, shoul-
dering his loathly face so near that his hot
breath stunk in tlae nostrils of his vidlim, he
taunted him, mocking him of his dear love.
Sir Raoul recognizing the fell purpose in
hand prayed with sickly soul for his beloved
but never spake he a word.
They dragged him to a lone fir tree, prick-
ing him with their cruel spears so that the
red blood guttered down his bespattered side
hooting him they bade God speed his un-
shrived soul.
As he lay beneath the withered branches,
panting and exhausted, impotently striving
54 Hidden Witchery.
to escape his bonds, lo, a vision filled his
eyes of a sweet bowed down face with yeHow
hair, even as he had first beheld his leman in
the summer of her youth: and his heart
cried unto that hidden face.
At the midnight hour they cast a halter
about his neck, and striking from off his
feet the golden spurs they hung him, until
the cool hands of Death calmed his jerking
body.
 —

III. Hatred Slayeth Itself.

Daylight faded away; and the twilight

deepened into dusk. In the thickets upon
the hill night birds fluttered uneasily about
at sounds of an approaching traveller.
Sir Guy urged his sorrel upward, but the
tired steed scrambled and sprawled upon the
stony track, and progress was tardy. Already
the knight had repented of his foolish freak.
Yet, as he twisted in and out among the
ragged pines that lined the hilltop, he cast
furtive glances to the right and left of him.
Maybe the restless dead yet roamed upon the
earth, as in days of yore ; who knew ?
At length the hill scaled he descended to
the plain. Thick mist rising from the
marshes between the mountain ranges veiled
56 Hidden Witchery.
the entire neighbourhood but aware that his
;

steed required no guidance, slackening the

reins, Sir Guy engaged in recriminating
thought.
Was there ever such timorous fool? to
hatch the notion of a revengeful spirit was
the aftion of a madman's brain Yet, as he
!

cast the matter over in his mind, again the

weird suggestion crept upon hirii so mutter-
;

ing an oath he spurred forward.

* * * *

Some time ago this strange idea had been

begot, and, dwelling within his head had
softly encaved there. One day, when musing
with himself, the lurking afFedlion had sprung
into existence; catching upon the attention
it had employed his faculty: but never until
the present had it much menaced him.
During the past afternoon, while flying
his merlin at some small birds of the air, this
insidious proposition had ripened into full
conception, had surged upon his intellect
and being; soaking into the tissues of
superstitious credulity it had wholly possessed
him.
 A Leman's Love. ^j
The youngspring sun flickered its fiery
flashes upon the yellow furze as a breeze
drove forward the fleecy clouds ; the bird of
prey hovered above its quarry and as a ;

leveret sped by hounds strained fiercely

his
upon their leashes. But Sir Guy had heeded
—
not all immersed in sudden horrid conjec-
ture he stared blankly before him. Not until
the merlin's prey fell headlong at his feet
had he regained control. He shrugged his
shoulders. " Bah " quoth he, " 'tis all that
!

packald of lies Outram recounted last night

.r—old wives' tales !
" and picking up the
hooded quail he had turned him home-
wards.
But he could not rest within the keep or
outer works a subtle, insinuating fear slowly
:

enwrapped about him, precluding all peace.

He had entered the lower hall, and draw-
ing nigh to a settle within the fireplace sat
doggedly down. A
few green logs lay
smouldering upon the open hearth now ;

they burst into flame, now they hissed and

bubbled as the heat drove out the sap. The
perturbed knight carelessly eyed them, some-
times turning over the charred bark upon
58 Hidden Witchery.
the embers to watch it catch fire and flare
up.
He smiled. Had he not that pair of
golden spurs hanging upon the wall above
his pallet? Certes, he had never obtained
that lot save by their wearer's death Again !

he smiled ; but his face wore a sorry twist.

— Was ever mortal plagued with such capri-
cious imaginations ?
Mere cogitation had strengthened his pre-
vailing fantasy. Until, surely ever surely,
there arose the fixed conviftion Sir Raoul
:
—
—
was yet alive. Had he ever slain him ?
In a burst of unmanly terror the knight
had sprung from the seat, and hurriedly gained
his sleeping chamber. The fool! —There,
before his eyes, hung the dead man's rowels
beaming in a narrow ray of sunlight: he had
but to take four steps, and his fingers touched
them.
So bereft was he of his wits that he had
covered his vision. Maybe when next he
looked, they might not be there this might—
be mere illusion. For a few moments he
had stood wavering in nervous uncertainty,
then peered betwixt his disclosed fingers : the
 A Leman's Love. 59
lustrous greeted his sight.
spedtacle still

Leaping forward with a shrill cry of delight

he had fingered them pressing his thumbs
;

against the sharp pricks and dulling their ;

bright surfaces with his sweaty palms.

Unbidden memories returned upon him :

he was again by Caldersheugh on that sour

Odtober night. Once more he stood beside
that murderous scene. And as in the silence
of the midnight, when watching with savaige
joy the squirming body of his rival he had
heard the harsh crake of winging mallards,
again, these grating sounds struck upon his
hearing.
Sir Guy started : he had sworn Sir Raoul
was by him now. And this sensation pouring
in upon him, he had slunk hastily from the
chamber.
His suspense increased with the growth
of time until, intermingling with dire sus-
;

picion, it had driven him on a fruitless

errand.
As he crossed the hills, spring sunshine
and fresh breezes had allayed his excited
emotions but to physic all disease indubit-
:

able evidence of his eyes was requisite; and

6o Hidden Witchery.
he held upon his way. His courage reviving,
he had jeered at his cowardly self; he swore,
'twas lack of fresh air and exercise —
house-
room was but for womenfolk. Thus railing
at himself and the times he had discharged
his cowardly bile.
At length skirting round the foot of
Caldersheugh Sir Guy had struck off in a
westerly diredtion ; discerning in the dis-
tance a lone fir tree he turned towards it.
Beneath the sapless branches lay a decaying
corpse defiling all sweetness of the evening
air. The knight had reined in his steed, and
looked at this unwholesome spedtacle.
A monstrous black mammet was perched
on the mortifying body; feasting upon the
stinking carrion. Never before had Sir Guy
seen the like ; and jhe glanced uneasily at it.
The bird peered at him, then flapping its
heavy wings endeavoured to fly but heavy,
;

overcome with rancid flesh, it could only

hop upon the ground. Hirpling a little
way off it had croaked evilly at the
intruder;
had edged towards him with sidling
It
limp ever and anon dabbing its beak against
;
 A Lemans Love. 6i

the clods to relieve it of clinging shreds of

flesh but aye it had
: come the nearer. Blink-
ing furiously with its unblinded eye it had
fascinated the luckless mortal.
Some time in the far bygone in the depth —
—
of ante-natal years had he not witnessed this
scene. That corpse. That bird. Nay, there
upon the murdered's face lay the strange fleece
of golden hair overhiding all semblance of
countenance.
The knight had glanced from the body to
the bird until, enthralled by the foul mes-
;

senger of Tisiphone, he gazed fixedly at its

baleful eye gleaming with the hidden cunning
of many centuries.
The sun had sunk ; the sky grew overcast
with sullen clouds ; a low wind moaned as it
sifted through the branches of the blighted
tree.
The mammet had hopped nigh to its
transfixed vi6lim. Still chaining the brain
with malignant subtilty it had fluttered on
his bosom; then clambering up it settled
beneath his chin. Their eyes met. Sin spake —
of sin Destiny
: of her decrees. Rendered
presumptuous the beastly fowl had raised
62 Hidden Witchery.
itself up, and pecked viciously at his strained
countenance but failing to reach had fallen
;

screeching to the earth.

The sorrel, startled by the sudden noise,
had reared from the fearsome objedt at its
feet. The motion jogged Sir Guy. He
had started — and having gazed wildly around
him spurred in terror from the spot. He
had pressed away so impetuously, that not
until crossing Skaithmuir Law had his
former erratic notion again overwrought him.
* * * «
As now he cantered and reviewed the
matter, his ghostly apprehensions revived
and weighed heavily upon him. Was not
the thing possible? did not the tale of Sir
Brian and Yvenec, his paramour, prove such
fadt ? Thus, while he'd fain shatter the argu-
ment, he but adduced proof.
Time went by and he neared the mouth
;

of the valley where lay his stronghold.

Happening to glance upwards he noticed a
ruddy glare shoot into the dark sky. ex- A
clamation burst from his lips. He stopped,
and stared gapingly upon the night clouds;
 ;

A Lemans Love. 63

then, in another instant clapped spurs to his

horse. He turned the corner of the crags.
A band of furious men surged within his
castle walls; the outworks were in flames;
and from all sides went up the din of battle.
The knight dashed forward, but a moment's
refledtion cooled him he could effeft nought
;

yet curiosity prevailing he abided a little.

The north side of the great court burned
brightly, and revealed the mass of fighting-
men they surged to and fro in mortal
as
combat. Slowly the enemy crushed the castle-
men into a corner, and slew them at their
leisure. And^Sir Guy, absorbed in the strife,
gradually made his way along the ridge,
till he stood within four bowshot of the

place.
Fresh foes swarmed in, and gave short
shrift tothe garrison. In the south corner
of the quadrangle only one stood alive his :

halbert making bloody work as he parried and

chopped at the seething mass of enemies be-
fore him. At last one running in fetched
him a cruel blow beneath the oxter and he ;

dropped like a stone.

The foemen turned their attention to the
64 Hidden Witchery.
keep. Finding it impregnable, they ceased
assaulting ; but firing brushwood and damp-
ened litter before the doors they had stifled
and burned alive the trembling inmates. The
scared women and children crowded upon
the leads, while the few aged men-at-arms
essayed a vain attempt to quench the fires.
The flames gripped hold flickering, beat-
:

ing, their long tongues against the stout oak

they crept within. On the upper stair the
hindmost occupants shoved fiercely against
their fellows ; yet packed tight upon the roof,
—
none could give way each wedged in the
other.
The crawled up the winding stairway
fire
and caught upon the woollen hose and long
brown tresses of a maddened woman. On all
sides oozed up thick, acrid smoke choking
the lungs while darting sheets of flame beat
;

upon the faces of those jammed against the

parapets.
Suddenly a figure leapt out from an over-
—
hanging embrasure to drop upon the spear
points below. Heavy locks of hair blinded
an archer's face as it fell with a dull thud
against him and some looking upon the
:
 A Lemans Love. 65

woman's fair countenance repented of her

death.
Craven heart though he was. Sir Guy had
fain charged into that cowardly throng, yet
discretion taking the upper hand he edged
away. What was that hovering beneath the
dense cloud of smoke that stretched as a pall
overhead ? now it swooped down even into
the exulting flames —
now it soared above the
doomed stronghold. 'Twas the mammet.
Through the uproar of the conflagration came
its harsh, mocking notes to thrum upon the
;

ears of Sir Guy as his knell song. —

The knight
fled headlong into the pitch black night un-
witting of any path.

* * * *

The hours sped on. Tired and exhausted

the sorrel plodded onward unsteadily its ;

rider keeping wary watch around him. The

waste-lands had been reached there was no
;

chance of surprise but his quaking heart got

:

no relief. Now he heard noises to the left of

him, now to the right and as often did the
;

knight clap hands to his sword to find that

beastkind alone disturbed him.
 — ;

66 Hidden Witchery.
He upon the day's ploy:
durst not think
it had fairly unnerved him. Even the catas-
trophe of the night scarce aroused him from
his apathy ;
yet as he travelled on, his brain
recounted the incident of that afternoon.
He pondered upon it. The affair was indeed
an odd occurrence. The more he thought
on't, the less he liked it it savoured of evil
:

and rankling, sorely disturbed his peace of

mind. Hasty speculation called up all man-
ners of omens, and sought to attribute certain
interpretations nevertheless he could cast
:

upon nothing.
As he cautiously picked his way among
the boulders a signification pierced his wits.
It fastened in his brainpans jogging a re-
;

lu6tant memory it verified itself.

Long years ago, when he was a curly-
headed lad with babbling tongue, had not the
wizard of Pendleton told his weird? And
now, every tittle of that telling was fulfilled.
— A mouldering corpse with golden hair
a loathly bird of calamitous omen — a hearth
aflame from its own fire thus had the
:

ancient prognosticated the falling hand of

Fate. And as one recalls a spent event )y
 —

A Leman^s Love. 67

means of trifling detail, so Sir Guy remem-

bered, that as he cowered behind his father,
the latter Had snatched some ducats from his
pouch and flung them in the seer's face
—
with no good result for the mannikin but
cursed him with greater vehemence than
before.
All this thronged into the knight's head
as he steered haphazard amongst the rocks,
until emerging from the gorge he gained the
lower tableland. Thick darkness filled the
immense space and settled as a blanket upon
the face of the earth ; here no creature moved,,
not even a breath of wind.
Some sense of coming danger stirred within
Sir Guy, and he checked his horse but about
;

him there was no sound or token naught —

but stark darkness. He went on a little way,
then stopped.
Alone, in the midst of black night that
swallowed up all life, an intolerable suspense
ripened within him.
The chance movements of his sorrel accen-
tuated the stillness of the place. So intensely
did they re-echo the desolateness of his situa-
tion, that he durst not listen to the sounds
68 Hidden Witchery.
as they beat against the silence which inclosed
about him.
The constraint of night weighing heavily
upon him grappled his soul with an over-
mastering hand ; even until it had mortified
all reason. His imagination ran riot. The
atmosphere did palpitate with something in-
definable —
with an unnamed horror. So in
burst of pent dread, setting spurs to his steed,
the knight rode off swiftly as if before pur-
suit. The wizard's forecast gathered in his
head, and enfevered the distraught condition
of his mind. He could not thrust it away :

itburned heavily into his soul it shook man-

:

hood from him. Again the air quivered with

that throb of impalpable horror. Impelling
against Sir Guy it quenched all hardihood
in him : and weighted with mysterious fear
the miserable knight crawled on through the
swathing darkness.
Now behind him was to be heard the noise
of a galloping horse. The sounds became
—
more distinft they were approaching he ;

could hear the clatter of hoofs upon the pebbly

track. A pleasing sense of human fellowship
filled the knight, and he loitered.
 —

A Lemans Love. 69

As the horseman drew nigh Sir Guy's sorrel

stirred uneasily ; the stranger advancing, it
grew more restive now and again it plunged
;

forward to be checked with tightened curb.

The knight was withdrawing a little to his
left when an instant scare seized him from
tip-to-toe beast and man took sudden fright,
:

and scurried in panic from the spot. Yet

they shook not off the coming horseman
the quick thud of hoofs followed on. His
sorrel wallowed in the marshy soil, but Sir
Guy gave no respite intent on flight he
;

drove his rowels the deeper into the brute's

bespattered flanks. But aye he heard the
oncomer behind. . . .

Now could he scarce rely upon his ears ;

silence reigned about. He stopped. Nothing

was to be heard save the hard panting of his
steed. He collefted himself. Was ever such
an idiotic fool To run from one unbeknown
!

—
was the adlion of an erratic. Was he mad ?
Even with that there came a rush of wind
the hoarse breathing of a hard-pressed horse
— the thunder of his hoofs. Petrified with
a monstrous terror the knight could not
budge. The hot nostrils of a jennet scorched
 —
;

JO Hidden Witchery.
his thighs and the impetuous rider
; fled by.
In passing, that one uncovered the face.
With a great shriek Sir Guy flung hands
upon his eyes. . . .

In the heavens the sable clouds had rolled

away; starlight now gleamed in the dewy
cups of heatherbells ; and on the zodiac the
slanting signs betokened the expiry of stub-
born night.
Sir Guy's steed browsed upon the scanty
foggage moving hither and thither it ate its
;

fill. As it cropped the dewy grass some

daring rodents hopped nigh to nibble at a
juicy herb, or play at hide-and-seek in and
out about the horse's feet, for no one heeded
them. Sir Guy sat motionless in his saddle
— eredt, staring straight before him, he seemed
to question the gloom of its evil deeds. Some
hours past he had not stirred, nor had he
spoken. The sorrel grew restive. It whin-
nied ; twitched at the bridle rein but there :

was no response. It moved on stopped ;

pawed a little then neighed loudly to the

;

twinkling stars. Sir Guy awoke. Like one

relieved from oppressive dreams he shud-
—
dered drew a hand across his brows and —
 ;
:

A Lemans Love. yi

looking vaguely around went slowly on his

way.
He had gone a few miles, when in the dis-
tance again echoed the dull reverberations of
a rider hurrying on his track.
A deathly sensation benumbed the knight
it was as though his being had slipped away,

leaving behind naught but the husk of a

refuse body. Passively he awaited the arrival
as one inert ; as one devoid of self-aftion.
His horse broke fruitlessly away. Speedily
the fierce rider was with him reining in,
:

that one tarried by the knight's side —

stride
—
for stride motion for motion. A prodigious
terror paralysed Sir Guy; he durst not lift
up his eyes nor thrust his tongue upon the
audacious horseman but rode as one bereft
:

of all reason. Thought of that uncovered

face haunted him, till he was monstrously
maddened. The air was full of its multitudes:
they flew alongside him : they lined the plain
from end to end. He shut his eyelids they :

danced within them. Until, verging upon

lunacy, he broke open his lips and cursing and
;

blaspheming the knight flew across the land.

Yet ever was he conscious of that strange
72 Hidden Witchery.
horseman by his side. And the twain swept
through the fast dwindling darkness: the
murdered and his vidiim. . . .

Down in the dales the cocks crew early

—
morning to their cackling mates. Like to a
waning shadow the wraith fell apart, and was
gone and the knight galloped on alone.
:

His sorrel slackened its pace. Rounding

the edge of Caldersheugh it proceeded
leisurely in an easterly direction.
Upon a far-away ridge of hills the great
rose of dawn blossomed, growing larger and
larger, until the gray sky above was flecked
with red and yellow cloudlets the stars
;

faded away and larks sent up their songs of

;

joy into the ear of wakeful morn.

On a neighbouring knoll, outlined against
the ruddy east, stood a lone fir tree; from the
upper branches of which a few shreds of rope
dangled loosely in the freshening breeze.
Sir Guy drew nigh. Suddenly he raised
his head. His imbecile eyes roving upon
the ground alit upon the corpse of a slain
knight; and he halted. Then the tongue
babbered within his mouth. " His face !

his face " he cried shrilly ; and swaying

 A Lemans Love. 73
unsteadily in the saddle fell headlong to the
earth.
The sun arose and ran its course and :

darkness again gathered upon the lands to

shroud a plunging steed tethered to the dead
man's hand.
 IV. IssoLA Redeemeth the Unshrived
Soul.

Winter had come and gone; spring had

passed :and night began to shorten the
numbers of her hours.
Within the narrow precindls of the garden
close Issola walked with her handmaids, and
enjoyed the perfumed air. An eventide breeze
wavering among the fragrant plants and shrubs
mingled the varied scents into one generous
pervading odour the mating doves were at
;

ease; and all Nature rested for the coming

night.
As the chattering band gathered upon
the grass, one of the damoselles passing by a
bunch of love-at-ease snatched a bloomy
spray, and, pulling apart the satin petals
enafted playfully "He loves —
he loves me
not." The others coUedled about her; yet
Issola went slowly onwards, her eyes bent
 A Lemans Love. j^
upon the ground as engaged in weighty
thought. She paid no heed to the laughing
cluster of sprightly maidens as they stood
about the luckless flower bespoiling it of
every pinken blossom, but holding straight
on attained the west terrace stairs. Passing
up them she reached the outer ramparts.
The sun had sunk beneath thick lowering
clouds, gilding long inner streaks into thin
golden lips the glow smote the sky, and it
;

gloomed redly as daylight waned. A waft of

wind moved the sable yewtips in the close
with solemn motion, then ceased and sombre
;

stillness held the air as evening closed in.

Issola paused for a moment, then stepping
to the banquette leant against the battlements.
She took tent to naught, but gazing steadily
down into the west seemed lost to all ex-
ternals.
The damoselles hastening after her poured
along the terrace, all laughing and merry-
hearted : —
but Issola her face bowed upon
her hands. " His love hath been won away
from me," she mo'aned, " for yet he cometh
not, nor tidings of him." And recalling
tender love-passages she wept piteously.
 ;

76 Hidden Witchery.
From a watch-tower in the upper rampier
the maidens saw her hurrying down by the
;

north entry they sped to her, thinking to tell

her of their fortunes. Of a sudden, hearing
the sound of weeping, they stopped —all
hanging against the wind like so many pen-
dulous white blossoms then softly they went
;

towards her, and with gentle words sought

to appease her grief Issola lifted her tear-
sodden countenance, and speaking sweetly
bade them return to the keep, where she also
would in little time rejoin them. With hushed
voices they retired ; but Guinivere lingered
behind, for she loved her mistress.
Again these tired eyes, weary of watching,
were strained forth to the lowlands, as if to
seek from them her beloved wherever he
was. But the glimmering landscape was
slowly hidden under murky gloom in Dules-
;

water wrack arose, and thickened over that

desolate valley ;the blue deepened above
and stars lit up their tiny tapers. Her yellow
locks grew dank with dew and the kirtle
;

clung with weighty folds about her. Yet,

heedless of the time or place, her stricken
heart went from her in heavy sobs. " 'Tis
 A Lemans Love, jj
the third month," she wept, " and he hath
never come. His love is dead " and she
:

nursed sorrow upon pangs of sweetened recol-

ledtion.
He had wooed with the last year's lilies.
His amorous persuasion had dulled away into
the hum of drowsy bees seeking honey from
her flowers, as he took her within his arms
and pilfered passion from her ruddy lips for
;

she could not deny him. Month had glided

into month, and they dallied long with love's
delight. Now winter had merged into spring,
and spring was breaking into summer, yet he
had not crossed the threshold of her bower,
nor, had any heard his footsteps in the halls.
—
Death death often strode along these lonely
uplands but she quenched the vauncing
:

thought. " He is not dead " she cried.

" For none durst stand against him." She
bethought herself of his lusty strength and
noted prowess in the field but wist not of
;

enemies lying in secret wait.

Now Guinivere crept forward, and with
delicate persuasion entreated her to with-
draw. Issola hearkened; and the twain turned
thence to the keep. Worn out with grief,
 8

7 Hidden Witchery,
that bade fair to envenom as death's poison,
she passed straightway to her bower.
A
lamp borne between the wings of a
silver cherubim flickered in the draughty
chamber, and shed a heady perfume on the
air. Through a barred rose window the rising
moon threw warm gules upon the floor, and
stained the rushes as if with new spilt blood.
Issola, sick at heart, had no patience for
the tattling of her handmaids, and dismissed
them in short terms
then crossing to a settle
;

she flung herself down on the gray wolf's skin.

The emblem of a bleeding heart resolved
itself within the moonlit circle upon the
reeds for a second it held there, and was
;

gone. But her eyes beheld not. And a dense

cloud arose out of the west and covered the
face of the moon.
Her heavy head craved for rest and she ;

unrobed. The light flamed up, and revealed

on the corded hangings Tristram and Iseult
of Tyntagel enthroned by Love in Heaven.
They stared compassionately at the world-old
grief but the elves behind the scarlet wolf
;

grinned with jealous glee.

" His love is mine " she murmured " for ;
 . —

A Lemans Love. 79

what of this body, his eager arms so oft en-

clipt": as the fine gauze of a last covering
betrayed her exquisite shape.
A mighty gust of overwhelming passion
broke out, enflaming her hungered heart:
and it raged with restless stour. Would she
not forswear all heavenly hopes to feed her
thirsty lips upon his sweet mouth and feel
his cool arms enclasp with strenuous embrace ?
Even hell would she endure for his sake
Nay, no pain or anguish were possible to be
—
sharper than the present if only she could
reach him —
In a frenzied burst of amorous desire she
cast herself upon her couch crying upon the
name of her beloved.
The night passed on ; and the twelfth hour
drew nigh. The starry eyes of an asp on the
glittering catch of her warm and fragrant
zone gleamed with baleful fire, and the elves
sprawled over the precious stones and dived
among the fastnesses of her snowy lawn. A
great gray owl flew up from the lowlands,
and perching upon the sill hooted three times
before her bower window. It paused for an
instant, then swooped down into the darkness
 ;:

8o Hidden Witchery.
beneath. The sounds awoke Issola. She arose:
slipping like a snow-white fawn across the
rustling reeds she threw open a shot window,
and looked forth. The nightbird fluttered up
silently to the sill seeing her it dipped off;
;

hooting hideously in its wavering flight it

swayed away, and was lost in the depths of
night. And the sands of the twelfth hour ran
slackly.
Suddenly the heart stirred tumultuously
within her. " Yea, he cometh " she cried!

but there was no noise or signal of approach.

A light hand tirled three times on her door;
and she lagged forward to unlatch it. The
door swung open. Lo, it was he she exalted
before all men. Issola flung herself upon
him. *'
—
Love My love !
" she cried shrilly
and entwined close about him murmuring
words of delirious joy. So bestraught was she,
that speech failed her —
she could but lie upon
his dear bosom.
" Beloved, where have ye been of past
months?" at length she whispered, looking
up into his face. His white lips moved
in speech, but she sealed them to silence.
" Stay, stay," he cried, " the hour speeds
 ";

A Lemans Love. 8i

and God's day is at hand. Hear my prayer,

that I may go hence with peace for all time."
" Our folly is our delight " she answered
softly : and with love's cozenage she allured
him to dalliance.
Sir Raoul touched not the wanton. " Sweet
Leman," said he, " many nights have ye be-
wailed thy love; and now from walking to
and fro upon the face of the earth have ye
called me. What will ye ? Alack, my love
is now as Death's cold breath, and my kisses

as the echo of his voice." But she interrupted

—
him. " Talk of love's joys —
thy lips are
;

aye sweet to me."

The moon shone from behind the cloud
one ray falling in struck upon the Crucified
in the chamber chapel, and Christ stared upon
them. The light veiled its face and the :

sands of the hour-glass slowly ceased to run.

The eyes of her lover glowed, as, gathering
her within his enticing embrace he uttered,
" Wouldst give thy soul for love of me ?
" Yea, even my soul for thy sake " was whis-
pered passionately in reply.
Far down in Berriotdale the midnight bell
of Morham Abbey called holy men to prayer
82 Hidden Witchery.
and penance; tongue clappered sharply
its

upon the still air to quiver faint echoes far

into the uplands. Floating in they broke
upon Issola's ear. She shuddered strangely.
Scales fell from off her eyes and a monstrous
:

terror was begot upon her. Sir Raoul was

as a man slain in grievous hard affray with
manifold bloody wounds and cuts his fair —
face set in the bony hand of Death. With
the last wavering note he went from her and ;

she fell shrieking to the floor.

Once more the setting moon
peered in.
Issola knelt before the shrine, and prayed.
Her swollen agony increased. Bowing
humbly before the Cross she besought peace
for that unshrived soul. " Lord, Lord," she
moaned, " have mercy. He was the only
son of a widow woman even of one after
:

Thy Heart's desire. Have mercy. Sweet

Jesu, for Thy Lady Mother's sake."
But no calm soothed her troubled soul.
And the moon fell behind the hills; the
chapel was again cloaked in darkness ; only
a beseeching voice broke the silence with
yearning prayer.
Her unrest wrought upon her. Clinging
 — a:

A Lemans Love. 83

to the feet of the Merciful One, she called

piteously upon Him. The ponderous
. . .

crucifix swayed above her, then fell with a

dull thud upon the slim prostrate figure ; —
convulsive jerk, a low moan, a few shivers;
and the quivering body lay still.
Before dawn a wandering wind blew up
from the valleys, and eddying within that
silent chapel wove the long yellow hair
about Issola's cold face, binding her silken
tresses over the great gray eyes that stared
starkly upon a lightening east. A spider
spun its fragile web, and linked the Cross to

the clay. And the elves mourned, for they

too had loved her.
The sun arose, and creation awoke. In
Duleswater an ancient corpse lay rotting to
the air, while screaming kites wheeled above
in Morham Abbey there lay a new cast bier,
while sweet incense bore up to God many
masses chaunted for a pitiful soul. But
beyond the golden bar of Heaven the twain
hurried hand in hand towards the throne of
the Merciful One.

OSiober, 1894 November, 1895.

THE TITHE AT THE
MOORSTONE.
 THE TITHE AT THE
MOORSTONE.
THE boat was fastened; and I clambered
up the broken steps. The silence
met me like a friend no sounds
:

were to be heard, but measured lapping of

water against the stone-lined banks, and the
occasional cheep of a screech-bat.
I gained the terrace. Nowhere was a
light visible the Grange seemed filled with
:

silence and darkness.

Slowly I wended up the long alley. The
beldam, that witch hag, weighed heavily
upon my spirits and a loathesome fear pos-
;

sessed me. In daytime I had brooded over

her address and hell-got leer, yet sunshine,
and fellowship of men, and ripened wine, had
beclogged my apprehensions; Now, walking
 " a;

88 Hidden Witchery,
betwixt the high, dense hedges of box where
no sound was, for the thick turf as velvet
sunk my footsteps, I was once more affrighted.
Twice had she crossed me, and two times had
evil fortune befallen :— the galleon captured,
my brother slain.
" Egad, man, what of old wives' prattle " !

quoth I to myself; " their gizzards are stuffed

with ancient tales. Tush a fig for the hag's
!

rubbish! Did not Bab May last St. Agnes'

Eve tell her beads to my name ? And that
evenly too. Nay, nay, her malignity cannot
wanton on me
!

But ever and anon paced up the

as I
silent, fragrant alley, her words fell back
again ; and unwittingly I shuddered. God
wot courage was a constant companion— yet
affright grew and overwrought me.
My bilbo fastened in a blown branch ; and
I stooped to release it. —
A torturing scream
broke shrilly upon my ears an oath — —
scuffle ; then silence.
" In God's name what's ado ? " I muttered
and sped up to the terrace door. It was
bolted. This threw me all aback, for never
before had it been so encountered.
 The Tithe at the Moorstone. 89

Now I heard the west gates thrown open

creaking villainously upon their hinges; a
clatter of horses' hoofs then no noise. I ran
:

swiftly round the terrace, leapt the small

stream, and hastening up the steep stood
upon the margin of the moor. But dark-
ness of night, and softness of verdure, had
swallowed up both sight and sound. I
turned into the courtyard, and hurried to
the wicket gate by the ancient buttery; it
swung over to my touch, so speeding
through the smaller hall I gained the great
staircase.
At the first turn I tripped over a sprawling
body — in a trice I was on it, and at the throat.
It was a woman. With nervous hands I
struck a light ; and beheld the countenance of
her handmaid.
" Mistress Marion," cried I thickly, "what
has happened?" —
but she had been stunned
by a heavy blow, which yet left a thick,
red weak upon her forehead. So in haste to
ascertain the safety of my beloved I caught
up the maid, and rushed down the long cor-
ridor.
The door of Viola's room stood ajar.
 "

go Hidden Witchery.
Ibroke in clamouring her name: but
there came no response. The chamber was
empty.
I flung down the woman, and with
trembling hands lit the flambeaux by the
tall mirror : as the light filled the room I
noticed full disorder on every side. Viola
must have retired to rest ; for her garments
with many dainty frills and ravishments of
white lay flung aside, while the bed-clothes
were betossed.
Hastily threw water over the damsel's
I
face, and violently shook her.
"Mistress Marion," I shouted loudly in
her ear " where is my Lady ?
;

She opened her eyes, her lips moved but ;

I heard no sound. Bending down I caught

the low moan " My Lord
: The Tithe
!

at the Moorstone —
Sir Jasper ;"
—
and the
goodly maid fell afaint again.
This is the Devil's ploy, thought L
Suddenly the heart sank within me now, :

I knew of a certain that an evil eye had been

cast upon us. My feet seemed rooted to the
oaken floor: aftion was wanting in all my
members : I stood as a stucco doll. Me-
 :

The Tithe at the Moorstone. 91

seemed an age passed, and no sounds heard,

but sough of the wind through the blighted
pines and the dismal hoot of a ranging owl.
It was strange. Fragrance of jessamine still
lingered in the room, as it was at even when
last we sat in Love's sweet bower. This per-
turbed my senses with dear recolledlions
and as a lout, struck dumb with fears
indefinite, with bitter grief tearing at my
heart-strings, heedlessly I loitered. Then
recurred that bodeful wording " Seek her :

by the Moorstone when no time is " and

cursing my tardiness I hastened from the
chamber.
As along the dark, re-echoing cor-
I fled
ridors, a mightyblast of wind drave into
the house, swirling and screeching through
the many passages then fell a great silence
;

all around. And my heart pat exceedingly

within me, for aye on this night did evil
fortune befall. From one a babe would be
reft, ne'er to be seen again from another a
:

fair virgin would be ravished —

to be dis-
covered next morn lying afield, babbling and
disfigured : ofttimes a wedded wench would
be lifted from beside her slumbering bride-
92 Hidden Witchery.
groom, and next morn at the waking hour a
dead corpse chilled his living blood.
All this crushed into my head as unwitting
of the way I traversed the outer hall. Its
porch stood open ; and I marvelled thereat.
Neither in my life, nor in my father's, had
this been ; for time had so rusted and en-
crusted the iron bratticed halves of the great
door that nigh a scoresome of strong men
could scarce accomplish the opening thereof:
but now, it gaped to the thickening dark-
ness.
gained the heath. All was still. Behind
I
me lay the Grange buried in the gathering
—
night beyond the Moorstone.
:

I plunged impetuously forward ;scudding

up the rising grounds like a leveret before
pursui^t.
Now arose all my grandam had told. This
—
was the eve of witchery's highest revelry the
30th of April. A great offering was brought
this night to the Moorstone ; around hearth-
stones at eventide it was whispered the Evil
One himself came and feasted. But no
mortal had ever seen and told. Had not
my father been found two score years ago
 The Tithe at the Moorstone. 93

on the 1st of May lying in deathly stupor

nigh to the Moorstone, his body naked and
livid, with impress of great taloned fingers
over all : and never again had his voice
greeted the ear.
My eager feet sank in a bog, and tardily
I setthem down again, lest I be pitted and
drawn in by the quickening morass. There
was no noise, but the swishle of reeds against
my body as I bent on. Now and again
a moor hen or water-rat was startled, and
I heard it scuttle from me. Ever and
anon elusive lights shimmered out in the
distance to tell of mortals lured to destruc-

tion by malicious goblins: and I gathered

in my mind, how that travellers crossing be-
tween mirk and morning had been lost ; luck-
less wights snared into depthless morasses.
I broke out into a speedier pace, and prayed
the Saints for a stout heart. Haply stumbling
into a narrow, westerly track I gained courage
with firm ground beneath me. "My God "
!

I groaned ; "to think of my love in their

hellish tricks:" —
the blood thickened at that
very thought.
As I sped up to the waste land, my brain
 ;

94 Hidden Witchery.
pieced together the case, —the heart was with
my Mistress.
Yester-even, as she lay in my arms, a cold
shiver chilled her gentle frame, and breath
failed for the space of a lamb's bleat. As
lifepulsed back, she clung her tender, soft
body to mine anew the quickening beat of
;

her heart was felt. And sweet caresses

calmed the terrified spirit. She wist not
the cause, but subtle love caught upon the
reason an evil eye had rested upon her, and
:

thralled. —Ay, and by Sir Jasper had it been

cast.
" May God smother him in his own
slime !
" I muttered thickly and sped the
;

faster onwards.
At last the dreary highlands were reached.
No knowledge had I whereby to gain the
centre, where lay the Moorstone within the
circle of stone pillars gathered by heathenish
hands I was all uncertain of it. Neither
:

moon nor stars broke the sullen darkness

no stir was in the air. All in a clap, out
of the blackness to my right, came a shrill
cry of " Help Help " Then the silence
! !

was broken by shrieks of a tortured being

 The Tithe at the Moorstone. 95

borne far into the night. They beat upon

my ear full of a dread terror and I stood
:

rooted to the spot. Suddenly the air rang

" "
with a faint echo of Geoffrey Geoffrey
! !

The vague sound died away; and I heard

naught but the pit-pat of my bosom.
Now a harsh, hurtling noise passed over-
head ; an echo of discordant laughter and
gibberish talk. —
Even now were the devilish
gang aloose. Already some luckless wight
had they fastened upon, and done to death.
For this hellish brood was my Mistress to be
sacrificed.
A mighty wrath flared up within me, and
I pressed on fiercely. Hell's dawn broke red
behind a ridge some small deer drove rapidly
;

past me my
: limbs slackened as timorously I
clambered up; muttering a paternoster the top
was reached. The sight therefrom terrified
me by reason of fear my body shook.
:

Before the Druids' circle, wherein lay the

stone, sat a horrid being of evil growth,
possessing the voice of man. Around him
red columns of fire belched forth beclouding
the air with hell's vapours ; far back, until
enveloped with the mists of night, grinned
96 Hidden Witchery.
—
myriads of babbering skulls ancient witches
and wizards, again to renew the past. On a
sudden the earth trembled; and I fell quaking
upon the sods.
Methinks I had there in stupor a
lain
goodly time, as, when breath crept back, the
space before me was covered with crawling,
flickering flames, and numberless voices filled
the air with hoarse revelry. My
heart gave
a great bound ; but the blood clotted within
its runs: for bound to the Moorstone lay
Viola. I sank on the turf, riven with un-
utterable agony. No prayer issued from
—
trembling lips rindeed my head was blank.
Then thoughts slowly shaped themselves.
Tradition hath it that every Walpurgis Eve
:

the Evil One demands the pure soul of

maidenhood, thereafter to woo it to destruc-
tion. So Sir Jasper, maddened at my felicity,
had outrun all humanity of God and man.
His base malignity roused my beclotted blood;
and I cursed him. Nay, I could but die
beside her, and balk his devilish intent and :

I started up. . . .

But I was borne upon the grass by an

overmastering hand, that, stiffening all flesh.
 "

The Tithe at the Moor stone. 97

turned mybody into stone. I lay prostrate,
speechless, and mightily afraid. —Verily man
is but a beast of the fields, when the spirits of
evil and of darkness do stalk abroad.
A voice sounded from among the crawl-
ing flames as it receded from the circling
;

witchery and drew nigh unto the Evil One,

it died away into a long-drawn sob. The
person of a male appeared amongst the many,
wavering fires with bowed head and low
;

crouching body he adored then with indis-

:

tinct voice he proffered the offering. Great

clouds of smoke gathered above as a roof:
all sound died away into a deadened silence.

And human utterance issued from the pillar

of fire, that, slowly filling the circle, enwrapt
the evil growth. " It is good," it said ; " and
the soul of the maid is without stain."
Yet there upspake a voice in reverent
accents: "Almighty Master, we cast a spell
upon her, for she cried on her lover to save."
So the bane was recalled : yet the recumbent
figure lay motionless.
Forthwith there arose a mighty clamour-
ing of many tongues crying " A mortal is
:

with us !

H
 —

98 Hidden Witchery.
The harsh, unhallowed outcry filled the
air; and curling flames shooting out their
long tongues sprang upon me from the sur-
face of the earth. My breath hardened
—
my pulse throbbed not meseemed I was,
and was not. Scant knowledge had I that
hell's crowd surged upon me, and surged
back again ; —
baffled. Again they thronged
around, endeavouring to devour me but I
:

was unharmed. Hideous forms filled the

air; griffins with hurtling wings and mon-
strous faces swarmed above, darkening the
dim light; huge embodiments of winged
snakes swelled up, and spitting at me raged
impotently with hellish spleen.
Suddenly like a base chimera the unholy
crew went naught before me but the lurid
:

round of flame and the motionless body of

my Love. Yet, on all sides great bodied
creatures, mingling with gigantic, wavering
shadows, noiselessly massed themselves in
the heavens above and upon the face of the
sleeping lands. Afar and surrounding the
forces of hell were —
arranging. My heart
went from me I lay heaped upon the
:

ground.
 :

The Tithe at the Moorstone. 99

Now the blast of a mighty hurricane wind
was to be heard ; then speeding nearer, and
nearer. Many things tossed by me. Yea :

the Evil One would snatch me as that thistle-

down borne on the gusty breeze. ... A
speck of gold flashed in the red gloomed air,
another, and another then a multitude of small
;

birds with golden plumage and whitened

breasts broke over the body of my Love,
settling thereon, until she was a mass of
wavering gold. The wind caught me. . . .

The grim countenance of night blanched

before the oncoming morn gray dawn
;

peered upon the mist-swathed hills. I awoke:

starting to my feet I gazed with surprise at
my strange bed-quarters. 'Twas deuced odd
to fall asleep upon the moor. Suddenly the
wild fantasy of midnight clappered upon my
brain ; and I shivered at mere thought of it.
A scurrying breeze tore asunder the seeth-
ing rack in a hollow at my feet. Between
the parting shreds was revealed a body upon
the Moorstone.
I attained the spot with frantic speed
catching hold of the massive slabs I drew
up my cramped figure. Before my eyes lay
loo Hidden Witchery.
Viola, and, upon her swarthy tresses floated
one small golden plume. Through the mon-
strous enactment of evil God had preserved
her in the hollow of his hand.

fValpurgis Eve, 1896.

THE PASSING OF LILITH.
 ;

Toi qui, comme un coup de couteau,

Dans mon cceur plaintif est entree ;
Toi qui, forte comme un troupeau
De demons, vins, folic et paree,

De mon esprit humilie

Faire son lit et ton demaine
—Infame a qui je suis lie

Comme le format a la chaine

Baudelaire.
I04 Hidden Witchery.
mine eyes from sin. Ofttimes the soul, that
inner consciousness of good and evil, had im-
pelled me unto an higher aim. Alack, I was
a weak creature of impulse —
will withered
under the glamour of her eyes and at her —
approach I fell from all reason. Was there
ever such sorry slave? Nay! Hotfleshed
Faustina wallowing in the reek of Roman
harlotry was less despicable than I, for her
entire being, bloated with the insolence of
domineering desire, unreservedly gave itself
up; but mine as a weathervane moved to
every motion of an unstable will.
The ancient sage Chrysanthius hath it, that
mind is master of the man certainly he had
:

known no Lais in his youth.

There was an arbour at the end of the
myrtle walk and thither I turned my steps.
;

A blush rose twining about the trellis-work

with matted growth made a little chamber,
and scented trails of yellow honeysuckle,
disputing the supremacy, clustered about the
unfrequented seat. It seemed a wanton adl
to displace the occupants; so I
fragrant
strayed onwards meditating deeply upon my
egregious folly.
 The Passing of Lilith. 105

Thisbondage was a reproach on all

manhood; and sickened with past delight,
prompted for the liberty of my will, I now
resolved for freedom.
Alas ! I knew thiscalm was but a breath-
ing space. Soon my refreshened body would
overcome qualms of comprehension, and,
all
like to a twig of the bitter-sweet the biting
of conscience would zest to satiety reproba- :

tion of desire but emboldened and intensified

my appetences.
In the train of that last thought came a
surge of wanton recolleftion, probing imagi-
nation to the quick. I called up self-mastery:
I strove vehemently for self-control.
"I will not seek her to-night" I muttered.
" One needs begin sometime "
:
and high
resolution prevailed.
In a neighbouring coppice a nightingale
sang with poignant emotion. Soon, passing
from earthly strife, it thrilled the song with
exalted praise, and cheered my soul.
I plunged burning hands into the cool,
gurgling waters of a fountain.
" I shall not go to-night," I cried and ;

deep determination enforced my feebleness.

 ;

io6 Hidden Witchery.

A recipient power of restraint passed into
the heart ; it waxed mighty, battening upon
self-conceit. This is an easy matter, thought
I to myself —
aversion and control are in every
man's hands.
And I turned up the juniper walk.

11.

What caused it I know not. — Maybe it

was by whisper of the sultry wind, or rich

fragrance of the pink mezerion flower, or
subtle communication of an all-reaching will
but eager appetence seizing me overbore all
opposition.
It grew upon me : until sipping upon the
lees of spent desire it intoxicated my entire
being.
An impetuous fadtion possessed me.
Nay Why ought I mortify my flesh ? For
!

paltry pleasure of self-denial to gloat over —

such barren virtue and deify myself? Soul —
was an idle byword, and inevitable necessity
circumscribed us.
 The Passing of Lilith. 107

Thus did I solace myself.

Alas, this was of frequent occurrence. Of
a truth in my
calm moments life was a heavy,
weary burden for knowledge of failure em-
;

bittered, making me less courageous more- ;

over, the withes of bondage plaiting about an

enfeebled brain seemed like to obscure the
steady light of reason.
Now sway of luxurious inclination en-
larged the empire of my lustihood so in- ;

sistent desire outrunning all bounds drove me

thence.
Indeed 'twas aye a vain dream to deem
!

one moment's viftory of avail against her

subtle, all-pervading influence.

III.

I HASTENED down the grassy walk, and gained

the east postern door.
Upon the inner side of the cope-stone em-
bedded in the high wall was that hideous
emblem of fleeting mortality, placed long
years ago by a freakish ancestor. Passing
io8 Hidden Witchery.
out Ichanced to look upwards. A malicious
leer seemed to flit over the skeleton face with
its horrid, empty eyes: and shuddering I
hurried with trembling feet from beneath it.
In the firwood solemn calmness of the
motionless trees begat quietude within me,
stilling the excited senses and I walked
;

slowly, giving unto the matter a more acute

consideration. I pondered deeply upon my
unmanly folly. The inner spirit longing for
peace and purity reasserted for freedom, yet
too weak, faltered in its purpose and there-
with failed.
" My God —my God !
" I cried hoarsely.
*'
Only to meet Desire human
being, and
as a
grappling, know the worst at once. But to
be encumbered lifelong " —
and stretching :

out vain hands I clutched at empty air.

My heart recognizing its base endurance
of desire trembled at the enormity of its com-
mittal yet intemperate madness incited me
;
:

and I sped onwards as for a throne.

Adip in the path brought me upon a
narrow tongue of moorland. Ancient roots
of gnarled heather crawled across the ground,
and bade me pick my way with caution.
 "

'The Passing of Lilith. 109

Now the high tide of revulsion rolling in

upon my enervated being swept that shameless
delirium of obsession far from me a great ;

calm obtained sovereignty and I lingered

;

by the way meting out measure of good and

evil.
Stridt government of my enfranchized body
would demand a heavy, irksome indemnity of
—
my heart would become the horrid torture
of a life, an intolerable anguish for which —
was no assuagement but the soothing hand
of Death.
And all flesh rebelled from such strenuous
denial.
My undirected feet blundered on, striking
sorely against the sharp flints and other strew-
ments of the sandy track but heedless, intent
;

upon this most weighty importance, I over-

looked not the way.
Suddenly I woke from my thoughts.
"Nay!" cried I. "Am I to be tost as a
puppet betwixt my soul and hers ?
ball
So reckless with torment, as malefadtor no
longer possessing will or body, I assented
unto the call of shrieking Pandemos.
 no Hidden Witchery.

IV.

The muffled roar of sea waves breaking against

the rocky headland bade me take heed to the
time ; andquickened my pace.
I
A gray mist cloaked the marshland that
stretched down to the shore.
As I crossed memory of time long-past
shot into my head ; and I stood stock-still,
so fluttered was I thereby. " Tush,
man be !

not a simpleton," quoth I to myself, and took

my way again.
Yet a thought grew and over-wrought me,
until anger, waxing great, gave short shrift to
the delicate vision.
By dallying on the way the night was far
spent when at last I approached her dwelling.
No lights shone in the ivy-clad pile, save a
glimmer in an eastern chamber.
I entered the dark cypress alley leading
up to the turret door; the thick grass that
floored the winding pathway deadened all
sound of approach, and noiselessly I gained
the entrance. The iron-studded oak opened
 The Passing of Lilith. iii

to my touch ; and climbing the narrow stair-

way with beating heart I reached the top.
Then thrusting aside a heavy curtain Ientered
upon the corridor.
Down before her chamber-opening swung
a Venetian lamp glowing with rich colours.
Its scented flames strove to out-illume the
faint light of the new moon, that shining
through high arched windows intermingled
in its sickly beams strange shadows of writh-
ing, clutching, hands.
With scurried flight I made past them.
As my steps rang out in the silence low
voluptuous breathing of a softly piped flute
thrilled the ear, and infused unutterable long-
ing within me.
Like one staggered by strong wine I tar-
ried before the Barolese hanging, nervously
twisting the blue silken tassels with agitated
hands. At length the vertigo passing I softly
entered.
was a long, narrow chamber bound
It
around with sweet-smelling sandal-wood,
whereon carved dexterously by cunning hands
were all emblems of the life and death of
Hippostratus. The ceiling was fretted with
112 Hidden Witchery.
golden fire and at the further end of the
;

room supported upon the outstretched wings

of bronze griffins stood a large porphyry
thurible, distilling unnamed odours through
the mouths of brazen snakes.
A swart handmaid sat nigh to the blazing
fire and she played rarely upon a flute.
;

There, soothed asleep, lay Lilith.

He was a wretched wight who gazed upon
her alluring countenance for its silent beauty
:

grew and greatened, until the soul, wavering,

was overthrown, and manhood became as a
suckling child. Yet I, witless and unheedy,
drunk in the appealing glamour with thirsty
eyes.
Her oval face was pearly pale, and great
sombre eyes lay hid beneath their tender lids,
the long lashes closed upon her rounded
cheeks. The upper lip of her honied mouth
made to bring Life to Death strove down to
meet its fellow, one stray lock of golden hair lay
curling as a caress upon her fair temples, while
beneath the right ear the head of a jewelled
bodkin glowed amid short curling hair.
She moved uneasily under myall-devouring
gaze.
 3;

The Passing of Lilith. 1

1

I pressed my hot lips against her snow-

white throat beneath the pouting chin. This
amorous theft awoke her. She gave a little
startled cry of delight, then laying hands upon
my face drew it up, and kissed lingeringly
the white, thirsty lips.
"My beloved!" she murmured. "Why
did you tarry ? My heart misgave me, and
I doubted."
The stammering tongue belied my soul
and I clung within her outstretched arms.
She bade the handmaid bring refreshment.
That one, turning from us, in short time
came back bearing a shallow, gilded maund,
and on it small pasties, and fruits, and ruddy
flasks of Spanish wines she also served pale
;

golden citrons, and manchets of fine wheaten

bread sweetened with honey then making
;

an obeisance retired.
" Sabina pipes most excellently upon the
flute " said I, advisedly using a modest phrase.
"Yes," Lilith rejoined, " sh^jwas taught of
me. It is her ear that carries her on- —
she
hath little skill herself."
I picked up the instrument and examined
it ; its shape was quaint, and singularly em-

I
114 Hidden Witchery.
bossed with strange characters the mouth-
;

piece, whereon the lips rest, worn and yellow

with immemorial usage.
" Time hath passed since that was made "
remarked I, laying it down on the cushions.
"Ay!" she replied. " 'Tis an heirloom
made of bone taken from a leman's body :

whose charm of music was so exquisite, that

she had bereft the senses of all control."
I gave a froward gesture, and bidding her
talk of lessunholy things poured out a cup
of honest wine the matured juice quickened
;

my pulse yet immoderate senses.

steadied the
Suddenly she cast her deep eyes upon me.
Their searching gaze reft from me the striving
of my soul. And a strange, unfathomable
look crept upon that beautiful face.
Lilith arose :approaching to the fire she
stood before the flaming logs.
Daintily she warmed a small, slender foot.
The flickering firelight climbed up her shapely
figure, touching upon the curve of her waist,
glancing upon the sweet occupants of her
heaving bosom and the ardent hollow be-
tween the glittering embroidery enwrought
;

fantastically with seed-pearls and silver upon

 The Passing of Lilith, 115

her clinging gown caught my eyes and :

the import of the whole stung my flesh as a

burning brand.
Of a sudden she raised her head. " Oh,
such gallant lover " she cried.
! " He offers —
nothing to an hungered one " and she bowed:

full featly towards me.

The reproof smote me. Hastening to her
I proffered the gilded maund.
" Oh, foolish head " she whispered, look-
!

ing down upon me with eyes that set my

—
blood afire " 'Tis the heart that hungers."
I gave no reply for, swelling with passion,
:

I could but stare greedily upon her face.

" Is it possible you do not love me ? " she
cried entreatingly her eyelashes glistening
;

with sudden tears.

" Nay," I replied, " look upon mine eyes.
I swear — ." " 'Tis naught but flattery " she
exclaimed petulantly, and dropped her hands
in helpless fashion by her sides.
A second passed. My head whirled as a
spinning roundabout. I threw myself by
her side.
"Let go my hands" she murmured. " You
love me not —you love me not."
 6

1 1 Hidden Witchery.

V.

I LINGERED before the hearth idly watching

the blue wisps of smoke. Dawn was at hand,
yet darkness overspread the land.
On the fire-tiles was depidted the story of
the Judgment of Paris. As I considered that
tale the odd fantasy returned, so, immersed
in dreamful conjedture I cast me down on a
suttee. And lo! as in visions of the night
when slumber has fallen I dreamed.
I tarried beside one gowned in pale blue
damassin and her face was exceeding fair. I
;

wist not who

she was —
but my soul awoke
and leapt up to meet the lovelights of her eyes.
I started; and gazed stupidly about, until
the neighbourhood recalled me.
Now some hidden chord vibrated within
me. I was filled with hatred at my sur-
roundings. The air was laden with heavy
loathsomeness the entire place instindtive
;

of repulsive brutality, and noisomeness,

I shuddered then a sudden flash lightened
:

my intense brain.
 !

The Passing of Lilith. 117

While Death's dear counterfeit had em-

—
balmed my senses by a curious chance, by a
—
whim of Fate's perversity my vagrom heart
had lived, and died, and lived again.
In the wakening sleep of dream Time's
pendulum had been tossed far back, mis-
spent years elided, and manhood approved of
proper value. Ay had not my heart once
!

trembled under the sweet tyranny of a

woman's eyes, and,under the bountiful in-
fluence of that woman's beauty had not
mine honour been established Marguerite
.?

Marguerite! —
thy face was the face of my
dream.
I sat and took counsel with my soul and
:

from reason of its sore travail was taught of

the wisdom of fools.
But, anew through the sleeping stillness of
the house, sweet piping of a flute crept softly.
I started at the sound :it was the leman's

flute. Again its amorous strains echoed

enticingly ;but my heart responded not.
I arose, and stepped to where Lilith slept.
In her lap was the pale golden citron with
which she had quenched her thirst its
;

bitter rind torn in several places between

: her
ii8 Hidden Witchery.
small round breasts lay a great scarlet lustcup
all crushed and withered; one curled petal
resting upon that ruddy mouth stained with
the kisses of slain youth.
I scanned curiously the sleeper's passive
countenance. — My
eyes opened a great ;

horror filled me. Her might was strange and

great, nay, deadlier than Death for he but:

giveth peace. On whom fastened love for

this woman was no rest. For with lust did
she lure the soul of man eating into the core
:

with insatiate appetite she scathed it, until it

died. And only in shape did that one remain
human.
I had besought God for Desire. — It lay
stretched out before me.
A panic gripped me by the heart, and car-
ried away all Bending down I seized
reason.
one long, black Twisting it about the
tress.
warm soft throat I had strangled the woman
as she lay. Her sombre eyes glared upon
me for a second, and I saw therein the lost
souls of countless generations. Beneath my
throttling hands she died and the flute was
:

stilled at last.
I fled in madness from the perfumed
 The Passing of Lilith. 119

chamber stumbling, twining down the

: turret
stair I gained outer air.
Dawn had lifted over the eastern waves.
In the glades the dewy grass glistened with
silvern sheen and wafts of wind came and
;

went bearing faint fragrance of clover, and

wild roses, and meadow sweet. The golden
rays of the rising sun shooting through the
cold blue heavens chased all shadows from
the land.
Bilt I fled homewards through that stilly
morning a,s one accursed — accursed among
mankind and brutes.

Lammastide, 1895.
AT THE SIGN OF KYPRIS.
 AT THE SIGN OF KYPRIS.

A T
right
we gained the outskirt of the
last
woods. The loon's prediftion proved
:

right stood an hostelry.

at some little
So Sybilla and I
distance to the

turned thither with lightened hearts and

- eager feet.
This inn was indeed of ancient and rambling
structure ;the face of it twisted out of all
shape by the hand of centuries. Huge gables
moss-encrusted and pierced with lattice win-
dows overhung the front, where tangles of
gray ivy and southern creeper smothered the
bulging framework, ,and hung in festoons
about the huddled chimney stacks upon the
mouldering roof.
By the pale light of the moon the place
had a deserted appearance —there were no
124 Hidden Witchery.
signs of the living. Yet I descried a light
shining in an upper lattice so lustily wield-
;

ing the dog's head against the hall door I

rang dull echoes into a still interior.
No heed was given to the noisy summons.
Stepping back I scanned the house. True, no
smoke issued from the gaunt, rude clumps
of chimneys, yet the light was there: so
again I rapped vehemently upon the rusty
platen.
This time, with the desired effedt. For
above me a window was opened, and a voice
demanded our wants. I cried we sought food
and lodging for the night, and willingly
would pay any sum for such provision. There
was a murmured assent, and with a noisy
clang the lattice fell to.
" Rudolf," cried Sybilla, closing in to me,
" let us continue on the way. Surely we
cannot be far from Thirlcote ? and this place
is little to my liking. — Come ; " and there
was a note of lurking entreaty in her voice.
I turned to her with a flourish.
" Madam," quoth I sententiously, " if we
arrive out of the night at the Thirlcote or-
dinary, and stay there —what will the gossips
 —;

At the Sign of Kypris. 1

25

say over their Bohee ? Depend

afternoon
on't —the tale will travel to town; and be
marvellously enlarged on the way. But here,
none will know us."
" Oh ! I care not, what folks say " she re-
plied, tossing her head; "but the place is
outlandish and strange in appearance."
" Why " ejaculated I with afFefted indigna-
!

tion. " Surely you can trust to me " .?

She was turning with an appeasing reply

upon her lips, when with sounds of much
unchaining the door was unlatched slowly ;

itgaped open to the moonlight and a voice :

from the interior bade us enter.

A serving-maid appeared with a light, and
advancing down the long, darksome hall
made speedily towards us. Th?; flickering
flame she bore only served to make more
visible the heavy gloom enshrouding the
entrance, and, when once we stepped within,
the change was as to a sepulchre the dark- —
ness was so great.
Sybilla slipped her arm within mine : and
oddly enough held closer than usual to me
her skirts rustled against my feet.
Jove, thought I to myself, here's a maid to
126 Hidden Witchery.
clip —
and buss as I cast eyes upon the hand-
maid, and observed her looks.
She was indeed beautiful. Of middle
height and supple form she was a sight for
the gods. One might have imagined, her
tresses were powdered with dust of golden
daffodillies, so rare was the colour. The
complexion of the lovely face was delicately
fair, and the long silkly lashes of her flashing
eyes swept darkling upon the milk-white
skin.
She received us with a curtsey, and, an-
nouncing our chambers were ready, led way
up a great winding staircase at the end of the
nether hall.
As we threaded the innumerable corridors
and cross passages I could discern on the
walls dim faded arras, whereon, enwoven in
golden thread, were fabulous monsters of
antiquity, Minotaur and his like; while here
and there the centaurs strove at the bridal
feast.
Suddenly the maid stopped before a door.
" You will sup here," she said, glowering in-
tently upon us then we were ushered into
:

the room.
 ;

At the Sign of Kyfris. 127

On the spacious hearth a crackled

fir fire

and flamed with much show of comfort. A

lounge seat was by it so with a sigh of relief
;

Sybilla sank, wearily into the delicious hol-

low.
The serving-maid lit the silver sconces
upon the walls, and, tarrying ever so slightly
by the candles on high mantel, looked search-
ingly upon the strayed reveller, then sighing
wearily, as if of grief oppressed, left us.
" Oh," exclaimed concealing a
Sybilla,
yawn, " this is better than without. Is it
not indeed a quaint place ? See " and she!

pointed round the room.

My eyes followed the motion of her arm
and I gazed with astonishment about me.
Dark oak panelling lined the chamber, and
emblazoned thereon in silver-chrome, all life-
size and wondrous fine, was naked Danae
ashowered with glittering gold, Venus en-
treating love favours of Adonis, and Apollo
pursuing with hot feet and eager eyes the
faint-hearted Daphne. Again, one saw Venus
repulsing Mars, then his triumph over her,
while Bacchus strove with a blushing wood-
land nymph and attained unto his desired
128 Hidden Witchery.
bliss. Atthe far end a great oriel was con-
cealed by valenced hangings of purple cloth,
whereon Astarte and her myriad doves were
embroidered in creamy silken woof.
" This is an odd place we have chanced on "
quoth I, turning to my companion. " Yes,"
replied Sybilla with a roguish look, " I never
thought this forenoon to find myself here.
Indeed, I know not, where I am, but I am
safe " and she looked up with a smile.
:

" My dear Lady," answered I, kissing her

hand, " my service, as ever, is at your com-
—
mand. Sir Harry Tresham would venture
his Manor and lands to be in my place to-
night."
She laughed. "You are apt to over-reckon
matters " said she, and lapsed into silence.
Now the maid appeared, and, drawing forth
a cover-table made of ebony inlaid with silver
Arabic symbols, set it between us, and put
thereon divers dishes amongst others, pasties
;

of peacocks' hearts and tongues of jays. Con-

feftions of candied quinces, and pomegranates
were brought; and ruddy pomewater, and
sugared poperin abed to red rose leaves.
All had a luscious flavour soon cloying the
 At the Sign of Kypris. 129

appetite; so that both but toyed with the

dainty fare.
could scarce keep my eyes from off the
I
serving-wench ; for, clad in a saffron-coloured
gown swathled under her bosom with a broad
band of golden cloth, she seemed a delicate
ramp for a man to deal with. Yet, even as I
turned my glance upon Sybilla, I checked the
ranging thoughts.
We were served in silence.
After removing all the maid laid malvoisie
and almonds upon a side-table by the door.
" Your bedchambers lay ready at this end
of the passage " she said as she bade good-
e'en " and lights are on the outside." So
;

saying she curtseyed, and retired.

Sybilla inclined to silence, so I reached me
a viol lying at hand. It was curiously made
and garnished with mother-o'-pearl, the tone
quite sweet and clear :so I sang softly
Dowland's " Love Meeting."
Then what moved me I wot not but as
:

in bygone days Azile had sung the love-

sweetened ditty, so the tender strains poured
from my lips to ring loudly in the room and
die away echoing in distant passages.
K
 " '

130 Hidden Witchery.

Sybilla awoke from her brown study.
" That song smacks of the love-sick swain,
musician " cried she. " Wherefore the
!

complaint ?
"I — " I rejoined.
!
" Oh, no when in !

your company there is scant time for the

fever to infed: one."
" —Or too much " she replied, with a
gesture of her head.
I rose and offered her the malvoisie, and
having poured out a quantity for myself
betook me to the broad settle fronting her.
" Nay, Rudolf! Come here. The seat is

ample for two " cried Sybilla, drawing her

gown tight about her as I sank into the
proffered space.
" There, now " she exclaimed smiling on
— !

me. "Am I not gracious to-night ? " and she

blew me a kiss over the brim of the goblet.
" True, this is an unwonted concession "
1 replied, balancing my silver cup upon the
broad shoulder of the seat. " Such a favour
has not been granted in all our friendship.
*'
Pray what occasions it. What do you —
desire ? " I asked in an assumed weary tone.
" — Only the steadfast continuance of your
 At the Sign of Kypris, 131

Don Quixotic service " she answered. " Nay,

unless I exert some feminine wiles, you will
gradually slip away from me and once
;

more I will be lonely in the world."

I laughed protestingly.
She contemplated the amber wine, swil-
ling it slightly about the sides of her goblet.
" My dearest lady," I said lightly, " ypu
will never be alone : your admirers swell
into a considerable train were the cast drawJi
together."
" Ay " she replied bitterly. And what
!

— '*

want they ? 'Tis all their own end, I have

but one true friend " she cried ; and clasped
her warm palm upon mine.
I raised her sweet hand and pressed the
soft white wrist against my lips then tip- ;

ping my cup drank to her prosperity.

Suddenly she raised her deep brown eyes
to mine and I saw therein the refle6tion of
;

a hidden fear.
" Rudolf! " said she. " Suppose in life I
fall by the way —
what then? Remember
many traps are set for a woman."
" Ay," interrupted I significantly, —" and
some walk open-eyed into them."
 " "

132 Hidden Witchery.

She twitched her hand away from mine.
'*
You still harp upon the same strain
cried she impatiently. " I tell you — I care
nothing for that lean lank of a man. Is that
not enough ?

And with an air of bravado she sipped

her wine.
" I will even suppose so " quoth I with a
shrug " but in time his stubborn will must
:

overcome yours. Playing with fire is but a

game for rogues and fools. I have been in- —
formed you met him at the Rotunda some
nights " back I added with hesitation in my
voice.
" Oh ! Curious knows everything
Sir
she flashed out; and lapsed into silence.
For a few seconds I watched her fair sweet
face, then bestirred myself.
"Madam," said I gravely, "I am no Sir
Benjamin Backbite ; but if gossip is rife in
the coffee houses with your fair name per-
force it thrusts itself into my ears. And
you must remember, that the first step of
folly severs our friendship —though God
knows it me to the heart. I have
will cut
my probity of honour to preserve. -Indeed
 At the Sign of Kypris. 133

it is tarnished already by the misconstruc-

tions put upon our close and lengthy inti-
macy." And
I rose up from her side.
With quick movement Sybilla flung
a
herself upon her knees, and seized hold of my
hands.
" No, no, Rudolf," she cried hanging
upon me, " you must never leave me. You
cannot for you love me."
:

" Yes," said I with a sigh, " alas, I love

you and like a fool desire no reward but
;

your advancement and happiness. You are

right, my Lady," quoth I with a forced
laugh. " I shall never leave you a man's :

sincerity of purpose is evinced by his folly."

" Nay, dearest of all you are not a fool "
!

cried she " you are the best of men and

: ;

have always advised me to my advantage. I

would rather have the 'fool's' word of praise
than all the world's. But I am young, and
needs flutter my wings we two can never
:

—
be man and wife we would quarrel like
dogs in a manger."
" Well," I rejoined, my heart all softer
by her afFedlionate glances, " see the wings —
are not devilishly clipped. Not that I hold—
134- Hidden Witchery.
marriage according to book and paraphrase
necessary for the true union of hearts yet, ;

the contrary cases are few."

For a few moments she swung our hands
to and fro. Then a sudden flush mounted
upon her pale exquisite face and stained it
ared.
" Rudolf," quoth she softly with dowri-
cast head, " I ne'er heard that before from
you
— revelation."
'tis a
" — Oh, have held that doftrine
I I for many
years, but for evident purposes have never
preached it " cried I unconcernedly;-—" I had
no wish to prompt your belief in it for at :

best it is a somewhat pernicious remedy."

Then a new thought struck the addled
brains, and shot the hot blood swirling about
my heart. With a jerk I stayed her idle sway-
ing of our conjoint palms. At that instant
she looked up. But her eyes would not meet
my ardent gaze they fell upon the wainscot
;

to be arrested by Apollo and his fleeting

mate and her colour heightened.
:

" Rudolf, you are thick-brained " Sybilla

murmured lowly and tried to regain her
;

hands.
 At the Sign of Kypris. 135

A sudden access of passion took me and

stormed all restrain. I could not withstand
it. Flinging myself at her feet I pressed
passionately my mouth against the silvern
hem of her garment.
A little laugh slipped from her. She leant
forward with a tender look escaping from her
eyes. " You may touch my lips " she said
simply and bent her dear face down to me.
;

II.

Sybilla had retired to her bedchamber;

and I sat alone in the supper-room.
I awoke from my engrossing cogitation
as a curious emotion thrilled me from top
to toe. I started, and rose to my feet. The
candles had long since guttered in their
sockets, and save for the fire there was no
light.
A strange, languid feeling was in the air.
To my eyes it seemed the heathenish deities
136 Hidden Witchery.
again sported amorously with each other:
and the burning whiteness of Danae's body
perturbed my senses.
Suddenly in the whisht of the house my
quick ear caught the sound of rustling,
falling, garments then my eyes, as it were,
:

beheld her lovely, unswathed body that —

body I had so oft enclipt with no thought of
possessing.
The vision scorched my senses with vaunc-
ing desire.
Where'er I turned it was the same. The
dazzling sight devoured all reason. And
Venus smiling joyously at the glowing youth
bade him not withhold his cowardly hand.
I strove to banish the arising trend of
luxurious thoughts clustering about my heart
and to demean myself worthily as a man.
In the dim firelight recolleftions thronged
thickly upon me: once more I was in the
land of golden sunshine and glossy fruit.
Tender eyed Azile, and imperious Julie,
stately Amalie, and love-long Valerie, all
passed before me. With each had I drained
passion to the lees.
Remembrance begat regret of spent plea-
 At the Sign of Kypris. 137

sures not —not stricken repentance and alas,

:

I dared to think of that soft form in my

loving embrace, and, of my hot persuasion
hearkened to by her murmurous dissent.
With two hearts beating in unison there
could be no wrong for long years had I
:

loved her and by her own condudl would

:

I be justified.
Across my memory swept recoUeftion of
the perfume of her body as once in a summer
gone by I had pressed my ready lips in
frolic upon the smooth, firm bosom, where
revealed by the mischievous 'kerchief
This played the firebrand. With a hasty
—
motion I uprose to go but sank down in
the lounge torn with diverse desires.
I buried my face upon the padded arm of
the great chair —
the chair wherein she had
sat. The subtle fragrance of her person yet
lingered about the cheveril. Like a callow
colt of fifteen I even kissed the spot whereon
her arm had rested ; the breath catching in
my throat.
I checked my childish outburst.
Good God, thought I, what is affedling
—
me? is it madness or have I drunk of
138 Hidden Witchery.
Aretinean wine, and am bewitched? What
do I intend? And as the base intent flung
upon me in its entirety I shuddered at the
foul malignity of my purpose.
The flesh justified its existence. What
now, O craven heart, whispered, others
it
have done likewise ; —
even thyself What of
Valerie, and amorous Julie ?
I had no answer for my heart smote me.
" Passion, A Plaything " is the Avenyll
motto and surpassing well had we lived so.
:

Yet, from the first day of my intimacy

with Sybilla, I had struggled for a higher
end in view her peace, her comfort, and
:

happiness. Now it was indeed ironical to

have the thorns of the flesh prick the fine
bubble of resolution I held professedly in
view.
I started up and paced hastily the long
room.
In the Mars grappled more
fitful firelight
violently with the Queen of Love, and
Apollo hastened his pursuit of Daphne.
I cowered in the corner and covered my
hot, wanton eyes yet the incitement ram-
;

paged about my brain sweat broke out and

:
 At the Sign of Kypris. 139

poured down my strained brows and I groaned

;

aloud in my trouble.
But why
crucify myself upon the cross of
forbearance ? —
why deny my eager heart
that which another would obtain ? For the
lecherous hound would finally suborn her
through sheer predominance of brutal will-
power. Sybilla needs give way. And why
not when love was in the question, and on
each side for the matter o't ?
I staggered towards the door distraught
with desire and desperate madness.
—
"And what want they? 'Tis all their
own end. I have but one true friend " rang
in my and I seemed to feel her
ears again ;

warm entwine about my hand.

soft fingers
I stopped short in my steps stricken with
amazement a new reading of my part flashed
;

upon me. " Good God," I cried, " at present

I am the worst enemy she can encounter:
her betrayal, the repayment for her friend-
ship and afFedtion. Sweetheart, I would be
a true friend rather than lover for the latter
;

goes as the caprice changes, but the former

remains for ever. God, God, save me from
my evil self"
 :

140 Hidden Witchery.

I crossed to the dying embers and medi-
tated. Honour now spake in brave clear
tones ; and I perceived the distindt folly of
my conduit. Sybilla relied implicitly upon
me she had no prop in the world at large
:

save me no kith and kind, nothing but her

:

dower of wilful beauty and innate sweetness.

So I bowed to the humiliating abnegation
of self.
Weary with self-wrestling and strife I rose
to get abed, and, passing by the oriel, slipped
aside the hangings. The moon had set ; a
strange, misty darkness held before the peep
of dawn no sounds were to be heard save
;

the gabble of winging mallards as they sped

northwards. I stirred uneasily as a feeling
of familiarity with my surroundings grew
upon me ; but drowsiness increasing I with-
drew.
Without, the corridor was strongly per-
fumed with odour of burning calambac
wood. The smell caught in my nostrils
stirring up some indistinft recolleftions of
times long past it caused me to linger in
the passage.
As I stayed, and, snuffing in the air, tried
 At the Sign of Kypris. 141

to seize upon the particular memories, lo, a

light appeared at the far end, and a figure
drew into view; so I, back
inquisitive, stepped
into the darkness of the supper chamber.
The person came nigh: and singular
astonishment filled me.
It was the serving-maid.
Naked, bearing aloft a burning golden
heart, she passed by with repulsive horror
;

trailing in the rear. The woman was cor-

porate Life-in-Death. The cruel winter of
old age had sorely pillaged her body of its
graces —
only from the bosom upwards was
there the semblance of form. Her shrivelled
figure tottered from side to side upon its
palsied feet that seemed scarce strong enough
to support the meagre, bent trunk and attenu-
ated limbs. Yet her countenance was surpass-
ing beautiful.
She passed slowly onwards her dark eyes
;

fixed stonily before her, her long silken

tresses flashing golden against the loose,
bloated skin: and the blazing heart flared
upon the horrid sight.
She proceeded lingeringly down the cor-
ridor, and brought astand before Sybilla's
142 Hidden Witchery.
bedchamber. Full deftly and quietly she
opened the door and disappeared within. A
monstrous fear laid hold of me ;so fleeing
down the oaken floor I stood before the dis-
closed room.
The unholy hag had advanced to the bed-
side her lamp lit up the sleeper, so that I
:

could see the tracery of azure veins upon the

side of her near temple.
The beldam seemed confounded: she mur-
mured loudly, and bending over the resting
body peered curiously about.
" One," she muttered, " only one " and
—
!

her nether lip purled. "He must be an

untoward rogue, for, never before has he un-
furnished such goodly gear."
Stretching out a bony hand she made to
seize the virgin.
With a mighty effort I shoved myself for-
—
ward stumbling on the threshold, to fall head-
long into the room. She turned upon me with
malignant glare. My tongue clove to the
roof of my mouth : move it I could not.
Unconsciously my fingers signed the cross,
and I fell aswoon on the floor.
Sense came back tardily. At length I
 ;

At the Sign of Kypris. 143

scrambled to my trembling feet and sped to

Sybilla's bedside : she yet slept as if no harm
were nigh. Muttering a prayer for thank-
fulness I flung me upon a settle at her feet
and waited for daybreak.
There were no sounds within the hostelry
— all was silent as the tomb. Now and
again I heard a dry board creak or a rat
scratch at the wainscot, but no more. The
stark silence was so great that it was audible
yet I cared not, for by me was Sybilla in the
beauty of sleep. I could hear her breathing

soft and low, and by the flickering firelight

could watch her bosom come and go against
the light covering envailing it. No evil
thoughts assailed me nor did I heed the
;

darkness that cumbered the land: for was I

not watchman for my beloved in the sandtuary
of her sleeping chamber.
Soon dawn broke over the woods; an
early bird twittered at the window sill ; the
gray mist lightened and lifted away. Sybilla
stirred in her sleep : so arising I stepped
gently to her and made awaken her. She
to
opened her eyes, and with amazement in-
quired of my audacious presence.
144 Hidden Witchery.
" We must leave at once " I cried ;
" I
will await on you without." " But " — she
interjefted. "There is time afterwards for
explanations " I declared ; and entreated her
to hurry.
In a few minutes she was by my side.
" In God's name let us hurry and gain the
outside " I exclaimed violently " this night
:

I have been in Hell."

Sybilla started.
" Your hair is streaked with white" she cried
"
in an incredulous voice. " Rudolf !

But cutting her short I hurried away.

At last we stood in the great hall. Faint
sunbeams straggling through the quarrells
cast fantastic shapes and shadows upon the
opposite wall the arras was dimmed with
;

dust; thickened cobwebs draggled upon a

floor deep with the mould of many centuries.
Yet upon it were the imprints of myriads
of footmarks.
We hastened through, and with difficulty
unbarred the heavy door.
Sybilla passed out into the sweet air of
early morn her dainty small feet stole softly
;

upon the silent road.

 ;:

At the Sign of Kypris. 145

I was stepping over the crumbling flags,

when a hoarse cough rang out behind me
turning round, I beheld the serving-maid.
But now she was as the Ancient of Time
lean and wizened were her toothless chaps,
coarse locks of grisly gray hair fell in a tangle
upon her crooked shoulders. —
Her beauty
entirely shent.
" We are in great haste " I exclaimed
and proffered payment,
"'Tis needless" she replied dully, her
leaden eyes blinking to the joyous light of
the rising sun.
And again the feeling of familiarity pos-
sessed me.
" In former times you rested here " she
mumbled ; " and who pays —
pays never
again."
Amazed at the crone's strange
words, as
I passed out, I inquired the name of the
hostelry. ^
The hag leered hideously at me drawing
herself up, she cried mightily :
— " The Sign
:

of Kypris."
Then the voice weakened ; and the figure
drooped.
146 Hidden Witchery.
" I am Passion : true Love hath slain
me " she moaned out, behind the closing
door.
And I stood pondering upon that saying,
until, Sybilla took me by the hand.
Lammastide, 1896.
IN THE HIDDEN HOURS
OF THE NIGHT.
 " Fenme ne puet tant amer I'oume con li horn fait le
fenme. Car li amors de le fenme est en son oeul, et en
son le cateron de sa mamele, et en son I'orteil del pie ; mais
liamors de I'oume est ens el cue[r j plantee, dont ele ne
puet iscir."
AUCASSIN £sf NiCOLETTE.
 IN THE HIDDEN HOURS
OF THE NIGHT.
THEHe apothecary met me at the entrance.
shook his head. " No," said he
in answer to my inquiry, "there is
no hope the end is nigh.
: She has been
calling upon you for the past half-hour " he
added.
" Can nothing be done " cried I, as I fol-

lowed close upon his heels into the unlit hall.

" Nothing," replied he, turning his face
upon me " only the hand of God can
:

save her. The disease has caught upon the

heart; — death may come any moment." So
saying he led way up a broad staircase lead-
ing into a western gallery, and, hurrying
to its nether end where glimmered a show of
fire, gained the sick-chamber.
 ";

150 Hidden Witchery.

Through the half opened door I heard her
pleading voice utter my name then die away
into an inarticulate sob, as she realized the
apparent impossibility of her desire.
For a second I hovered upon the threshold.
Pride battled with my wish to see her for, :

with her dishonour had this woman not tar-

nished my fair name, had she not turned the
jibes of the ribble-rabble upon my house ?
—
Then came the low moan "Rupert, Rupert;
and the sound of catching breath in her
throat. Instantly the insolence of my con-
ceit was humbled: and I stepped into the
room.
Clarissa lay 'thwartways upon the dis-
ordered bed, her fingers clutched tightly
upon the clothes. Suddenly she raised her-
self. " Rupert, Rupert," she uttered thickly

then, with a shrill cry, fell back upon the

pillows as a violent spasm shot through her.
I arrested my feet.
Renewed sight of her brought back the
past and present : it cauterized cruelly my
estranged heart.
Before me lay my wife— pampered
the
mistress of a dastardly cousin —the notorious
 Hidden Hours of the Night. 151

courtesan of the —
town ^brought thither to the
residence of her paramour to die friendless and
alone. And —
the irony on't that I, her
hisband, whom she had driven to live in
foreign lands, should turn in to her by a mere
chance as she lay cluttering my name.
The apothecary touched me on the elbow.
" Remember, my lord, this distemper is
ccatagious" he whispered. ** Indeed 'tis mighty
dangerous to approach ; for the blood, turn-
ing acrimonious, has corroded its vessels, and
produced pestilential swellings upon the face."
I shrugged my shoulders. " Well," quoth
I in a murmur, *' betake yourself!"
He shook his head. "Nay," said he, "I will
remain until the end. Hear: she calls you."
I nodded as her bleating caught the ear.
In the sombre room the waxen candles
spread out a dull and uncertain light ; but,
even with the indistind radiation, I could
catch an old familiar gesture with the chin
as she moved her restless head a gesture I
:

had noted on her bridal night, as, wakeful

with doting love, I had watched her slumber-
ing through the long silent hours.
Suddenly she smote her knees together;
 ;;

152 Hidden Witchery.

a long low moan broke from her lips as
pain racked her body; then one could hear
the dear breath sucked in between her clencned
teeth.
I

The apothecary stepped to the bedside

taking in hand a dish of medicinal waters ne
sponged softly her inflamed cheeks and fore-
head. The ensuing coolness was gratefuljto
Clarissa. She opened her eyes and weal^ly
thanked him.
The sound of her voice touched the chords
of memory ; it was as clear and melodious
as ever in my time and I shrank back into
:

the shadow of the door. As I stood there a

whiff of damp air wafted by me ; thick,
musty as of a charnel house : and I shuddered.
Sir Mortimer had no use for this place
his debauchery swallowed up his rental roll,
so the house was in a lamentable state ;a
place more fit for owls and screech-bats than
human habitation.
As the gusts of wind swirled round the
buttresses and outlying gables the windows
clattered loudly against their fixtures; here
and there the lattice-work was broken and
unhinged ; so the autumn blasts, bellowing
 ;

Hidden Hours of the Night. 153

in, had littered the mouldering floors with

leaves, that lay rotting upon the untrodden
passages. Before me the clouded camlet lining
the upper parts of the sick-chamber was dusty
—
and torn one could see the naked wall roped
with twisted cobwebs; while the golden
glory of the embossed leather bordering the
wainscot had faded long ago into a shim-
mering obscurity.
A noise in the gallery made me turn : it

was caused by a female, presumably the

housekeeper, who was mending the fire with
billets of wood. The resinous bulks shot out
a great flare of light, and revealed the most
evil countenance I had ever clapped eyes on.
For a second the woman stood looking
in to the flames, then sat down on a settle by the
hearth. Her toothless maw gibbered a little
she puckered the wrinkled skin of her fore-
head until it stood beetling upon the pent-
house eyebrows, then suddenly withdrew a
pack of cartes from her empty bosom spread-;

ing them out upon her lap she contemplated

them.
The logs burned fiercely with increasing
glare and upon the discoloured ceiling, with
;
154 Hidden Witchery.
itsfine Italian impasto work all peeling and en-
ridged with damp, the shadow of the chimney
mantel flickered with leaps and bounds now;

covering Herodias as she considered the

head of John the First Martyr in its bloody
charger, now revealing the Tetrarch as he sat
at meat and eyed dancing Salome.
Again and again the crone turned over the
devil's books ;sometimes wiping her clammy
hands upon her tattered gown of betimes rich
brocade, but now foully smirched and rent,
a mere relic of past glory. She started and
shielded her eyes from the glow; then, hastily
shuffling her cartes, re-dealt them.
—
"King, Ace, Queen; Spades. Always —
Spades " she croaked.
!

Upon her sick-bed Clarissa tossed from

side to side as if to avoid the recurrent
stitches of pain ; she moaned heavily, then
throwing her arms into the air let them fall
with a thud upon the bedside.
The crone made a hideous grimace with
her in-bent mouth.
" r faith the poor lamb wants her dearie. Ay,
ay, he'll come —there is no doubt on 't " said
!

she to herself; and turned again to the cartes.

 — :

Hidden Hours of the Night. \^^

She crouched low against the light, until

I could see her twisted shape sharp and black
against the blaze.
"Spades, —always Spades," she repeated ;

—
"a man with a dagger. Death," With that
there came a hoarse howl of wind about the
house skirling above the chimney like a
;

gyved fiend. The ancient dropped her cartes

in terror upon the flames, and hobbled frantic-
ally away into the surrounding darkness.
Yet through the distance I could hear her
cry and the echoing passages took up the
:

call ;it clashed loudly upon my hearing

"Death, Death."
I leant against the wall, for I felt weary
and faint the atmosphere close with must
:

and mould had caught upon my senses and ;

my head swam.
The apothecary drew nigh.
" My lord," said he, "it is better, you now
go, lest one is met upon whom you have
—
no desire to look one, who will be here
instantly."
" Indeed," said I, " who is he ?"
The man paused. I bade him speak out
he shook his head.
 ";

156 Hidden Witchery,

II "
'Tis needless to inquire " he rejoined.
" Go your way, my lord, now you have
indulged to the full the detestation for your
unfortunate lady. As you swore, you have
seen her at the ebbtide of life; and what
"
serves it ?
" But who the man," I asked, im-
patiently stamping
"
is

my foot ; —" Sir Morti-

mer ?
He nodded, and looked curiously at me.
I gave a short laugh. " Why man," said
I, "nowadays that fool is nothing to me.

Himself he hurt when he took Clarissa into

his eager arms. Gad ! as I know —she was
better to have for a day than a lifetime:"
and I laughed bitterly. " Certes he must !

have been sorely infatuated to regain posses-

sion of that poor worn out beauty " added I
" but maybe human ware is scarce at present ?
Then what I deemed curiosity got the
upper hand.
" Does she still care for him ? " was my query.
The apothecary scanned me from beneath
his bushy eyebrows but he did not answer.
;

I repeated my question.
An odd, pitiful expression passed into his
 Hidden Hours of the Night. 157

face. He took me by the arm, and conveyed

me to Clarissa, who had fallen into a doze
and lay face from us : having dipped his
camphorated waters, he
fingers in a dish of
withdrew from the warm precinfts of her
bosom a glove.
" My lord !"
said he in a low voice, holding
up the crumpled and frayed gear into the
candle light. " See that ? "
" Certainly," I exclaimed softly. " 'Tis a
glove."
" Ay true, only a glove " replied the
!

apothecary ; " but the owner of 't " and he

:

stared me straight in the face.

I thrust forward. My
eyes caught upon
a silver threaded monogram on the cufF I :

started, and seized hold of it.

" Why!" " 'Twas mine years ago.
cried I.

Does she gather such baubles from all her

favoured lovers?
—
'Twill be a pretty stock by
this time," quoth I callously and, as that
;

thought struck me, I dropped the glove an'

it were poison upon the floor.

The apothecary stooped, and having picked

up the fawnskin replaced it by her breasts.
Clarissa stirred, and awoke. I slipped behind
 "

158 Hidden Witchery.

the silk tabby curtain ; yet so that one could
observe her.
" Garth," she murmured, " my throat burns.
No one is here?" she queried weakly;
turning her head from side to side as if to espy
an onlooker.
The apothecary gave no answer, but handed
to her a draught of cobling cordial.
" Garth," she continued as breath came
back, " if Sir Mortimer comes hither, I will not
see him. Surely he can let me die in peace ?
and she moved her limbs fretfully about.
Garth brought the candles nearer the bed-
side, " If he comes — he shall not enter here
"

he said firmly " be sure of it " and he offered

; :

persuasively a sleeping potion.

Obedient, like a child, Clarissa took the
dram, which obtained an almost immediate
effeft upon her weakened frame her eyes
;

closed, the mouth relaxed its firmness with

;

a swoop the minions of sleep bore her

thence.
I crept out, and stood over her. For five
long years I had not seen her ; yet she had
little changed. Of slender figure and exaft
proportions, she seemed more exquisite and
 —

Hidden Hours of the Night. 159

perfedl than ever ; her flower-like face, with

the curving eyebrows pencilled darkly against
the pallid skin, more beautiful but, upon ;

the low forehead, and about the mouth and

graciously moulded throat, were many cruel
lines of damnatory evidence.
Ay, fairer than ever she lay before me
the woman, who had crunched my highest
and holiest hopes underneath the heels of
her desires.
Silently I contemplated her.
In her slumber one arm had escaped from
beneath the clothes, and lay lengthways by the
pillow; the fine cambric sleeve was gathered
above the elbow, and betrayed the dainty
shape.
I blinked my eyes. I seized a light, and
bent down. There, just peeping from below
the soft lawn upon her snowy arm, lay twisted
a golden snake studded with purple scarabs
and ruddy jacinths —
the betrothal counter-
;

change given these seven years back.

I was uplifting the loose hanging sleeve to
obtain inspedtion, when the apothecary re-
strained me. " Remember," said he " you :

may incur contagion."

 :

i6o Hidden Witchery.

shook off his hand, and considered the
I
jewelled ornament.
Ay, 'twas the same. There, upon the clasp,
were the interwoven letters " C R." :
— :

I recovered my balance, and gazed 'with

some curiosity upon her.
Suddenly I looked up.
" 'Tis an odd fancy, that," quoth I, pointing
to the bauble upon her arm.
"Ay," replied Garth, " she is very fond of
it : to my knowledge, it has not left her
arm for many a year."
" Indeed " I rejoined. " She has not much
!

"
use now for a pledge of honour, I daresay ;

and I shrugged my shoulders.

Garth cleared his throat. " My lord " said
!

he. " This is no time to bandy phrases, nor is

it my business to meddle with your private

affairs, for I am but a serving apothecary

but, of women misjudged —
is she ; and your-

self is the cause on 't."

I sprang back the man had touched me
:

on the quick.
" Sir," cried I, " you may keep your clack-
ing tongue to yourself; —
as for me, that is
my own affair " and I looked angrily at him.
:
 Hidden Hours of the Night, i6i

He clasped his hands nervously together ;

his eyes met mine, then dropped; he wore

the aspedt of one troubled with a secret.
"Well," said I, in a dry tone, "what
has my lord judge, the apothecary, to say
to me " and, somewhat mollified with his
:

abashed attitude, I looked easier upon him.

To my surprise he flung himself at my
feet, and catching upon my riding cloak held
closely to me.
" Why, man, what tomfoolery is this," I
asked sternly.
" My lord, hear me, hear me," he cried.
" There would not have lived a purer, sweeter
woman than your lady, but for a most mon-
strous and devilish delusion upon you both.'
I elevated my eyebrows, and turned a cold
face upon his rigmarole. " Ay," said I in an
undertone, " they all say their purity is tricked
away ; an old song."
'tis

Garth pulled me by the cloak. " I swear,

it is the truth
" he continued vehemently.
" In your absence in the Low Countries Sir
Mortimer won her away to London upon a
pretence he forged her letter to you he
; ;

spread the ribald reports upon the town he ;

M
 " ;

1 62 Hidden Witchery.
poisoned your ears through the agency of
—
Lady Betty." I started and drew the riding
—
cloak tight about me. "This once done, and
you absent friendless, and with bad repute
;

with none to help her, what could she do but

succumb to his stubborn, persistent wooing.
Sir as you know
! —
the flesh is frail and a ;

woman is none of the Forgive

strongest.'
her, sir, ere she dies " and the man clung
:

upon my hands.
I disengaged them from his strenuous
grasp.
"What childish prattle isthis?" said I
harshly.
;
"You -fool —Haines is but one of

many " and I drew away from the gabbling

idiot.
" My lord," he cried, rising from his knees,
" whom have you ever met ?
" One," replied I sullenly " Brittain. ;
—
:
I killed him " and I laughed brutally,
for the old sore was open all afresh and
torturing.
Garth nodded his head.
" 'Tis one," he said slowly " the other :

comes to-night. Sir Rupert," and he stepped

towards me, " have pity upon her. Never,
 " I

Hidden Hours of the Night. 163

night and day, has she ceased to love you and:

I swear she has known only these two."

— —
gave vent to a spluttering sneer. " My lord,"
"
the man pleaded, what could she do. 'Twas
that —or starvation for she had no jointure.
:

—
You were God knows where in the South
Seas — and, after young Rintoul's death, she was
penniless, and, for a short time in the Fleet."
" My God " I exclaimed, as I glanced at
!

the slim, gracious body and lovely face, and

thought of her lying in that stinking den of
iniquity. And I did not answer ; as, for the

first time, I owned to a sense of my hot

headedness perverted by cruel jealousy.

"Rintoul!" I rejoined at last in a low
voice ;
—
" what had he to do with the
matter ?

" He was her friend" was the reply. " The

one person who gave freely his assistance, his
company, and looked for no other reward than
trusted friendship."
"A d d fool!" I ejaculated: "he should
have ta'en his wages like the others."
" There were no others save the two men-
tioned " interrupted the apothecary. " The
report she was common property was a
164 Hidden Witchery.
damnable propagated by Sir Mortimer to
lie
achieve his vile end. She was shunned: she

——
fell. And you you who should have be-
lieved in her cast her off upon the mere
hearsay of a busybody lawyer. lord, had My
you come forward, your lady had ne'er
suffered nor been misjudged nor sinned." ;

I looked at the man his very vehemence

:

bore a trace of truth yet I knew he lied

:

like hell.
Bah ! I would trust my perceptions before
the sole evidence of a blathering apothecary.
She had cozened me from the very hour I
first encountered her and her paramour. Sir

Mortimer, sitting close in the sycamore room.

Moreover, my love was dead, slain through
excessive pain of heart and mind.
From the first I had maintained an un-
swerving aloofness ; and that, I would sus-
tain.
Garth watched intently my face.
"Will you not speak to her when she
awakes " he implored. " She loves you.
See even in her sleep she clasps your glove
!

to her heart." And in truth she had.

I stepped over, and gazed at her. Her
 Hidden Hours of the Night. 165

bosom came and went to the rhythmic beat

of her breath, and, between the unlaced yoke,
her sweet breasts and tender body could be
descried.
An odd feeling crept over me a softening ;

of the hardness of my heart but muttering

:

an oath I faced about.

Then, of a sudden, footsteps were heard in
the gallery. Some one swore at the lack of
lights. It was Sir Mortimer.
Garth hurried to me. " Now, my lord,
the proof is vouchsafed" he whispered. " See
— stand in here " and he pointed behind the
;

curtains veiling the head of the bed.

I hesitated for a moment an uncontrol-
:

able determination took me and I darted

;

into the sheltering obscurity.

Even as I did so, the baronet appeared at
the door he steadied himself against the
;

jamb, then entered. As he came within the

range of light I noted him.
There was no deception about his appear-
ance. One could tell his smooth, hypocritical
face among a thousand his Roman nose with
:

its close-lying nostrils, his cruel, sensual mouth

with its thin, compressed lips, were enough
 ";

1 66 Hidden Witchery.
evidence of the fellow's charafter
man, I had never dubbed him.
;
—
gentle-

Garth met him. " Well," inquired

Haines with an oath, " how goes the patient ?
and he swayed somewhat drunkenly in his gait.
The apothecary bowed.
" Sir," replied he, " she has fallen into a
sweet slumber this half-hour but I fear there
:

is no hope." The man's voice failed him

he shivered a little, twined his fingers as if
assailed with an upstart pain; then, lifting
a light from the side-table, lit up the
sleeper.
Ho, ho, thought I, here is another vidtim

to her wiles ; and indeed it was so.

Haines crossed to Clarissa's bedside.
In the faint radiance of the nightlight
one could imagine the puffy swellings upon
her pallid cheeks to be the symptoms of
healthiness and colour her lips were parted
;

and showed just a peep of the regular white

teeth.
" You mustnot awaken her " ordered the
apothecary., " She is in the influence of a
sleeping draught ;and dire harm will result
if she is disturbed."
 —

Hidden Hours of the Night. 167

Sir Mortimer gave a slight lurch and an

imbecile laugh.
" Devil take you " said he thickly. " Do
!

— do you think I have ridden forty miles to

see a pretty face, and no more She is mine
!

— I
;
pay for her " and he hiccuped like a
stable boy.
" Sir," cried Garth, " if her rest is broken
— I will not answer for the consequence.
Nay you must not " he exclaimed, as
!
;

Haines put hand upon her.

The baronet swung round with an ugly
look upon his inflamed face. " There
there is the door," he growled. " Go " And !

he pointed to the exit.

Garth firmly shook his head. " I shall
not leave " he declared emphatically.
—
"Well, stay. But do not interfere in my
business " Haines rejoined crossly then ;

bending down he would have aroused

Clarissa.
The apothecary intercepted the descending
arm : in a tricehe lay prone, senseless upon
the floor.
.•"Damn him!" muttered Haines, as he
glanced at the prostrate figure. " She's mine ;
 — ;

1 68 Hidden Witchery.
—
every inch of her illness or none. Bah! a
fig for the plague I'll handle her." And his
;

chops fell as he gloated over the helpless,

infedted body of his whilom vidiim.
I peered round the corner of the bedstead.
A fiery detestation for the man flamed up
within me by leaps and bounds. I saw
before me her traducer — the man, who with
devilish cunning and perversion had seduced
her mind through stress of circumstance him-
self arraigned— the man, who had banned my
peace of brain and soul, who had filled my
ears with vile aspersions by means of his
—
pimpish devices but above all he, who had
;

corroded her inborn sweetness and purity.

That brute, with his lanky limbs, and long
white hands the agents of his passions.
;

I gripped my jaws together ; I could feel

my lips hard as bars upon my strained mouth
and I stood lurking behind the curtains with
hot jealousy pricking at my heart.
I could see Sir Mortimer advance his
rapacious hand upon her bosom : with a
sudden pluck at the inclosing lace he tore
aside the yoke, and fingered her breasts.
The motion and access of cold awoke
 ;:

Hidden Hours of the Night. 169

Clarissa; she lay staring upon the marauder

with dilated eyes until of a sudden recog-
;

nizing him she tore herself away. His a^ms

followed fast upon her they enclipped her
;

with a lascivious leer on his sallow face he

bent down to kiss her.
" Tush, tush, madam 'tis not the first-fruits "
!

he cried, as she thrust her poor face from him;

and more lusty than ever he pressed her.
Clarissa struggled frantically to escape his
bonds.
In her wrestling the smock slipped from oft
her shoulders the upper part of her body
:

lay naked and glowing to the eye.

At sight of this, once my own, a fierce
hatred for the man sprang up. —
Ay, with
the same foul grasp had he not ruined her
tainting her purity with his base desires,
with his ramping animal indulgence. But
she— and an unclean reflediion darted into
!

my brain to re-heat its virulence against

her.
Yet instantly I swerved.
" Rupert, Rupert," rang shrilly in my
ears ; and Clarissa fought desperately against
her keeper.
I/O Hidden Witchery.
This woesome bleat for me in her ex-
tremity broke down all barriers : it mad-
dened me beyond control.
Only for an instant did I linger to find my
sword-hilt ; the next, I was upon him.
" Unhand her," cried I violently and ; I
hit him on
the shoulder with a heavy hand.
Haines dropt her, and leapt furiously upon
me.
Our eyes met. He fell back. His
clenched fists flattened out. Panic-stricken,
he glowered stupidly at me.
In a second I regained my coolness.
" Sir," said I harshly, " you must deal
—
with me now. You carrion " and I smote !

him on the cheek.

My sudden appearance had taken both
aback : he glared blankly at me, while
Clarissa lay silent, peering upon me with an
unmeasured look of wonder and uncertainty
in her eyes.
" It seems as if I were unwelcome here,"
cried I ironically and bowed towards him.
;

At the sound of my voice Sir Mortimer's

lips quivered his amazed face resumed its
;

sickly hue; he recovered his presence of

 " :

Hidden Hours of the Night. 171

mind. Then beady eyes travelled from

his
me to Clarissa, and back.
"Ay," said I, in answer to his thought,
" I know you now to be a panderly rogue, a
valiant Mohawk —
but only amongst women."
" Madam," and I turned quickly to my
w^ife, who lay speechless and wondering, " do
you love this man ?

Clarissa made an idle motion with her lips

but she did not speak, she could but gaze
confusedly at me.
I stepped to her. A
great wave of pity
affedled me and I took her by the hand.
;

" Clarissa ! do you love this man ? " I re-

peated quietly; looking for the first time
in many years into her glorious eyes.
A
great rush of blood tided in her, suffus-
ing a ruddy flush upon her pale skin her ;

tongue rapped against the roof of her mouth :

taken with intermedled surprise and fear she

was dumb.
I gently stroked her bare arm. The con-
taft of her naked flesh stirred my tumultuous
blood but I kept a close eye upon Haines.
:

Asecond or two passed yet she was silent.

;

" Speak, Clarissa Speak. There is nought

!
1/2 Hidden Witchery.
to fear " I cried reassuringly,
" Do you love
this man ? —
He owns the preference, then ? "
And my tones hardened as certaincy of my
delusion beat in upon me.
She shot her arms into the air. " Before
God and the Holy Angels I hate him " cried
she vehemently ; clapping her hands together
in supplication.
I nodded my head. " Pray, how long has
the hatred existed," inquired I callously.
Clarissa replied not she but turned her
:

large, hazel eyes upon me. I started my :

heart gave a great leap but I restrained my-

:

self with an iron hand.

Sir Mortimer moved his feet uneasily
about, then he pulled himself up and coughed.
" Well," said I, coming to him, " what 's
your voice in the business is it that of —
——
Shemei ? " He nervously bit his pomaded
moustache. " Nay," I continued, " that of
Absalom is more in your plucked
line. He
his fruit, and feared to take the consequence."
" See here, bouncer," and I seized him by
the shoulder, " God knows the harm you've
wrought with your lying tongue and starva-
tion tricks, your bawdish feints and instil-
 Hidden Hours of the Night, iji

ments and now the Devil needs have pay-

:

ment on 't all."

" The credit is long o'erdrawn " quoth I

facetiously : for I w^as getting into fine fettle
atthe prospeft of at last killing my man.
Long had I looked for this and, now he ;

was within my grip, I would delicately slay

him. Of t'other question there was no fear :

he could never overcome my strength or

agility.
Haines moistened his dry lips.
" Sir," said he, *' I will make every repara-
tion, but you know "
I burst into a strident laugh. " Ho, ho,"
checking my hollow merriment,
I ejaculated,
" so impurityis to be paid for " and with a
:

sudden storm of fury I slashed his face with

my tasselled gloves.
Uttering an oath he started back and drew
his rapier, then attacking, forcedme into the
light of the candles on the high chimney
mantel.
He pinked me sorely in the arm. This
disposed of my berseker fit ; and I con-
trolled my movements.
Haines fought from the semi-obscurity of
174 Hidden Witchery.
the shadow cast by the mantel, whilst I was
the light ; but, little by little, I reversed
full in
the positions, and began to play with him.
Twice I pricked him gently in the ribs as he
lounged at me with his clumsy strokes in
tierce and twice, in the sword-arm.
;

As my guard stood firm he grew enraged :

yet it was no avail ; I withstood him.

There were no sounds save from the move-
ments of our bodies, and Sir Mortimer's rasp-
ing breath. I could hear the Deathhead tick
ominously behind the worm-eaten wainscot,
and a mouse clitter with its small feet along
the leaf-littered floor of the adjoining gallery.
There were no lights save two upon the
huge mantel overhanging the gaping fire-
place, and one upon the side-table by
Clarissa's bed. The unsnufFed candles sent
out a dim fitful flicker gloom and darkness
:

enshrouded the room.

A frightened spider scaled his cord as I
forced Sir Mortimer against the dusty camlet ;

and, as he knocked his heels against the panel-

ling, a flock of rats broke away and scurried
past the sprawling figure of the apothecary,
who lay in a heap upon the creaking boards.
 —;

Hidden Hours of the Night. 175

As I drove the long rapier into my oppo-

nent's side, behind him on the enwoven cloth
the bloody nail of Heber's spouse seemed
redder than ever ; more ruddy, than his life-
dew upon my fleckered steel.
Haines thrust wildly at me. In vain. Again
and again I pierced him where I willed
pundluring his fine brocade waistcoat and
Hollands shirt into bloody patterns of re-
venge.
All honour went from me. In a furious
lust of vindidliveness I drove my pointed
blade deep into his shrinking body. I
shouted with glee as I felt the steel slide in.
Bah! why should I treat him with honour
—
who had perverted my wife's his was rotten
at the best, rotten with debauchery ;
—
and
these arms had constrained Clarissa, had
compelled her to dishonour or starvation.
And I circled round the doomed ravisher,
plying my steel in his rank flesh as a house-
wife her needle in the sock.
Sir Mortimer became weak he clutched
;

at the wallcloth to sustain himself. With a

noisy rip the decayed stuff gave way and
;

bellowing, he fell on me. I stepped back:

 :

176 Hidden Witchery.

with a dull thud he landed above the body of
the apothecary, and, stunned, lay motionless.
An irritable sense of deprivation moved
me ;
—
I would he had given more sport
and with a kick I turned over his carcase to
view him —
him, God's Image
;
!

But, with that, there came a moan from

Clarissa who now wrestled with Death, for,
alas, the hot, pestilential fever was encroach-
ing close about her heart.
I advanced to her with combative fury and
hatred yet swelling upon my lineaments. She
looked at me as I were the Basilisk. Then
her fearful eyes dropt upon the dripping
rapier with a scream, she covered them with
:

her hands.
Cursing I threw it from me, and laughed
harshly.
"Madam!" cried I hoarsely. "See the
cause:" and I pointed to her fallen paramour.
She gave a little gasp as her glance alit
upon him her fingers crept upon the open
;

smock, and tore at the Brussels lace edging

the yoke the blood fled from her flower-like
;

face, leaving her mouth ascarlet her heavy ;

underlip quivered. Suddenly she raised her

 "

Hidden Hours of the Night, lyj

beautiful eyes to mine, swiftly to let them

fall again. Her glance but clung upon my
face for a second : yet I read therein her
passionate appeal.
Her great eyes made a flare of my
doubts, consuming all indifference, all in-
aftion. The innate purity of her heart peered
from their lustrous depths ; and the thrill of
its desire, entering anew into me, trumpeted
the retreat of wavering sophistry.
" Clarissa," I cried, with my soul clamour-
ing onmy lips. " Say: it wasnot wantonness ?
Alook of intense agony blanched her
face she shut her eyes
; but I got no reply.
:

Tears glistened underneath the dark, silky

eyelashes, to roll down her wan cheeks her ;

bosom heaved with short, convulsive breath-

ing ; she stretched out her groping hands
to me.
With a great sob, I threw myself upon the
bed, and covered my face with her small, hot
palms.
" Hush," she murmured, as I sobbed out
my shame, "mine is the blame. But you
—
were cruel, Rupert oh, so cruel " and :

breath failed her dear lips.

N
 ;

178 Hidden Witchery.

For a little time she did not move. I looked
up she lay back upon the pillows with no
:

sign of life, except the twitching of her mouth.

The apothecary was right.
Haines' rude awakening of her had aug-
mented the misordered spirits and she was
;

dying: dying, alas, too soon for me repentant

dying by reason of him, with his damned
intrigues and brutish lusts. Death was at
hand to carry away her rare beauty and
goodly heritage of body, whose singular fair-
ness had occasioned the marvellous cruelty
of her lot : and I, rendered dumb by the
tumult of my senses, stood heart-stricken
above my regained love.
In the deep stillness, my ears caught the
stirring of Sir Mortimer. In a trice, my
hatred and loathing for the man seized pos-
session of my mind : and a devilish subtilty
was invented.
Iturned to the man —
he yet lived. With
rough handling I trailed him across the room,
and set him on a tall-backed chair by the top
end of the bed.
Haines recovered somewhat, and, rising up,
endeavoured to walk. With a pounce I was
 ;

Hidden Hours of the Night. 179

upon him binding a rent curtain about him,

;

I had him stiff and certain as a mummy of

the Pharaohs.
" Curse you," quoth he faintly, " what
play is this ? " as I bound him faster and faster
to the seat.
" You see her ? " said I, indicating the faint
image of Clarissa in the tarnished mirror
fronting us.
He nodded sullenly.
" Well," continued I, so softly and gently,
—
" she is dying dying because of you " and ;

my voice sank into silence.

Then I struck his lying mouth.
" Ay !
" cried I fiercely. —
" It shall be blood
for blood — life for life."
"
The baronet's face whitened. Why,"
"
whined he, " what is 't you mean .?

I smiled fiendishly at him, and, having

whipped out my hanger, cut up his gray
cloth sleeves. He swore and twisted about
but an idea occurred, so pulling his jaws
asunder I gagged him with his own silk
handkerchief.
Thereupon, I stepped back, and contem-
plated him in the dim candle light; the —
 ;

i8o Hidden Witchery.

craven was now writ plain upon his coun-
tenance. — But I, to my business.
Hanger in hand I stood behind him. As
a surgeon, I fingered his upper arms, then,
laying the cold, sharp blade against his soft,
yielding flesh, I ripped them upwards, most
dextrously, from the elbows.
Thus, I treated the ravisher of her honour.
And I could feel him cringe beneath the
knife.
I bowed to him.
" So," cried I, " is flesh rendered for flesh: "
and, as I went from him, his blood bespattered
the floor.
As I traversed the chamber the physician
gave a gasp, and drew his body together
rearing himself upon his elbow, he gazed
dazedly around. I assisted him to his feet.
He staggered towards Clarissa seeing her :

afaint, he motioned me to sprinkle upon her

face some waters from a phial he carried about
his person.
This revived her and life again flickered
;

upon the beautiful face.

She felt about for my hand, then carried it
to her lips, but, too weak, needs let it fall.
 1

Hidden Hours of the Night. 1 8

The
apothecary put his cold fingers upon
my hot sword-arm they chilled me to the
:

bone. " Sir," said he, " Death will come in

the twinkling of an eye. See to it — that
you acquit her."
Myhead bowed upon my bosom.
" "Tis I," I replied lowly, " who sue for
remission ; for I am the true culprit. My
hotheadedness and weak belief did forward
her ruinous descent she had none to help
:

her."
His grasp tightened upon my shoulder-
blade, till I winced. " She will have strong
"
cordials to retain animation for a, while
little
he replied. " Sir ! Forgive : as you will be
forgiven." Turning to her, he administered
the retarding draught.
And in the stillness I heard a drop, drop-
ping upon the floor.
But there came a weak cry of " Rupert,
Rupert."
This tugged at my heartstrings. Long
pent passion, bursting up, broke all bands of
foolish scruples. She called on me Clarissa, —
—
my first and only love and straightway she
was in my arms.
 :

1 82 Hidden Witchery.
For long years had I thirsted to feel the
touch of her gracious body, the music of
her soft voice, the fragrance of her hair
and, half mad with joy and grief, I clipped
her to me. What cared I, although the mal-
versations of brutes had besmirched her cor-
poreal qualities —
I owned the empiry of her
heart and brain.
Clarissa lay in my arms, her queenly head
upon my bosom with a contented sigh she
;

clung close to me, her eyes fixed steadfast on

mine.
" Dearest of all," she whispered, " I am
happy at last. I knew you would come to
!
me. Oh, Rupert " and she kissed the braid-
ing upon my coat.
" Hark " she ejaculated faintly. " What
!

is and she thrilled strangely, as the

that? "
noise of a drip-dripping echoed in the room.
I laughed nervously. " 'Tis the ivy with-
out " I answered softly ; and caressingly re-
assured her.But I glanced aside uneasily, as
the sound grew louder.
" Hear ! 'tis again " Clarissa murmured.
" Hush ! it is some one walking in the cor-
ridor " I replied ; and stilled her fears.
 :

Hidden Hours of the Night. 183

The fever returned, and wrought upon

her senses ; she babbled of childhood and
early years.
Suddenly she threw herself from my hold,
again upon the pillows.
— — —
" See there he is " and she pointed into
a dark "Ay,
corner. he's coming —coming.
Rupert — Save me—
!
save me :
" and with a
scream she buried her face against me.
" Dearest," cried I, all astagger, " there are
none here save Garth and I " and gently ;

stroking the hot, beating head I strove to

calm her.
But, upon the tabby curtain, grew a large,
irregular stain. Slowly it deepened into
crimson hue, as the gore, clotting upon Sir
Mortimer's dripping elbows, soaked through
the silken woof.
Ilooked furtively about for the apothe-
cary he was nowhere to be seen.
: There
was a loathly stillness about the place within, :

without the house. There was not the

merest shimmer of fire in the corridor
the open door of the bedchamber seemed
a sheet of blackness. In the room the gut-
tering candles wavered with sickly shoots of
 ;

184 Hidden Witchery.

light ; mere embroideries upon the inclosing
gloom.
Clarissa slowly turned her face up to me ;

her eyelids contracted ; she shivered.

" Rupert, Rupert, who is coming near,"
was whispered hoarsely " oh, it is so cold."
:

Then she opened wide her eyes. " I see

him There
! is his cruel face, and grasping
hands. Ah." — With a piercing shriek she
fellheavily against me.
And the gory splatch grew, and greatened
upon the creamy silk.
The atmosphere became more chilly and
stagnant; an odd feeling affedted me; a
tremour caused my jaws to chitter as in
time of frost. I held Clarissa closer to me
stubbornly, as if one was by me to reft her
away and shouted upon Garth. But he
:

came not.
As look at the door sped back to my
my
beloved's face it traversed the mirror oppo-
site me simultaneously, the flames of the
;

expiring candles gave a few leaps, and the

room was nigh filled with night: ere
that —
once more, my eyes had beheld Sir
Mortimer. His head had fallen upon the
 Hidden Hours of the Night. 185

leftshoulder his nether jaw hung loosely

;

down but his dimming sight was fixed

:

immutably upon the reflecting surface.

Casting a silent curse in the waning gaze,
he stared at us with his protrusive, bloodshot
eyes.
With were drowned in
a hiss the lights
their fat but, in the faint light from
:

the floating wick by the bed, the ruddy stain

seemed shapened like a bloody hand fastening
upon Clarissa.
She moved. " Kiss me, Rupert," she
murmured. *' Oh, I am tired, so tired " and
:

feebly she nestled in to me.

Not one but a thousand kisses did I rain
upon her sweet lips and face. Thought of
her cruel lot and pressing death fairly broke
me and I wept over her blubbering like a
: ;

child.
" Ladybird, ladybird," I sobbed. " Would
God, I could die with you. To find and lose
you so soon." And I ceased from the intensity
of my grief.
Behind the tabby, I heard the death-rattle
richochet in his gurgling, throat. His head
struck the back of the chair. And a speaking
i86 Hidden Witchery.
followed on.
stillness Yet, there sounded
through the silence, that drip-drop, drip-
drop-dropping upon the floor.
Clarissa uttered a moan; her clasp tightened
about my neck. I gently placed the bed-
covering around her. Suddenly she sat up-
right. The night-light flared up. Her eyes
caught upon the monstrous sight beside her.
She started, and tore aside the hangings . . .

Her face stiffened with fright; for the

moment, she held her breath. Then, with a
shrill laugh, she fell upon my neck, and died.
. . The slow hours passed by. Alone,
.

with the dear dead in my arms, I stood void

of all sense by reason of unutterable agony.
Not until milch kine had lowed in their stalls
did I move then with a sigh I stroked her
:

dark tresses and, holding her closer to me, I

;

bore her silently away —

anywhere, anywhere,
away from his accursed vicinity.

Martinmas, 1 895-1896.
AT THE CROSSROADS ON
THE MOOR
 AT THE CROSSROADS ON
THE MOOR.
THENow wind moaned without the Grange.
and again, coming in great claps
it swirled around the gables, and cried

with strange and mournful notes in the

darkness. All was peace and quietness within
the house the household had retired to
:

rest and, save the steward who awaited

; my
departure, Yssolane and I were alone.
Into the ear of silence struck the hour of
eleven. With a start I rose from my beloved's
side,
" Jove," I cried, " so late already ? —and I,
here ! Why, 'twas my intention to have left
ere now : for much must be done before I get
abed :
" and, stepping to the little rose win-

dow, I drew aside its silver-threaded tappet,

and considered the night.
 —

I go Hidden Witchery.
" Egad,it is dark," quoth I, as the black-

ness loomed in, and filled the window frame

as with an ebony slab. " Hear to the wind !

it moans to-night, as if the devil and his angels

were abroad " and I gave a laugh.

:

She drew close to me. " Nay, dearest, do

not go," she cried beseechingly, as rain
bespattered the pane. " 'Twill be a stormy
night. There's no cause on't. Stay, Ralph,
"
stay by me ; and leave in early morning !

I turned from the threatening darkness to

her fair beauty.
" Sweetheart, sweetheart !
" I replied.
" What would gossips say? Howtheir tongues
would wag 'Twould give Mistress Hark-
!

away a month's talk. Oh, the scandal of it

all Fie
! Fie " and I pulled a pretentious
! !

face.
Yssolane playfully smote my lips with her
forefinger,and reiterated her plea. I shook
my head, and, catching her in my arms,
carried her to the fire setting her down in
;

the ingle-neuk. I resumed my place beside

her on the cushioned settle. Her counten-
ance brightened, and testified to her belief of
my intention.
 ;

At the Crossroads on the Moor. 191

" Nay, dearest," said I, in reply to the tacit

testimony of her glancing eyes "I must away;
:

for the day after to-morrow sees us wedded

and I have attended to little or nothing.
When the candles gutter; then I'll off.
"
Moreover, 'tis only some six miles home !

I plied my case with all cogency yet ;

she gave no ear, but plead the more be-

seechingly.
Now, as if to reinforce her argument, the
wind increased, and, growling around the
chimney stack, stirred the dying embers into
a lambent glow ; the rain shivered with force
upon the lattice panes and, in the courtyard,
;

the gargoyles gurgled and spouted with in-

cessant and louder splashings. Her dear
company and cheery chamber did indeed
retain me but, at the gutteringof the candles,
;

I arose, and made ready to depart though, I ;

own, with much self-compulsion.

As I fastened my
cloak tight about me
Yssolane again plead strongly against my
set purpose.
Some hidden fear seemed to lurk within
her. She clung to me as if to retain me with
her gentle hands ; and, words failing her, lay
192 Hidden Witchery.
upon my
bosom with strenuous entreaty writ
large upon her eyes.
" Dearest of women," I cried, "have no fear.
Blindfolded, Cassandra and I could cover the
road : if one fails the other will surely travel
home."
With sweet reassurance I strengthened her
uneasy mind ; and, loosing me from her arms,
stepped out into the darkness.
On the face of it, the weather seemed more
ominous than stormy. Through the flying
scud in the sky one could, detedt the faint
starlight down in the east, over the rugged
;

hunch of Dead Man's Law, blinked the

peaked face of a new-born moon, swathed
between woolly bands of mist yet a feeling :

of something impending was in the air ; and

for a moment I remained swithering on the
doorsteps.
" Bide ye where ye be, sir," cried the
steward, as he held the stirrup " 'twill be a :

wild night. Bide ye where ye be 'tis Easter- :

"
tide !

" Tush —
bag of wind, and a dish of rain"
!
a
I replied, saddle. " And what
making for the
of Easter-tide?" Jaggard shook his head.
 "

At the Crossroads on the Moor. 193

" A bad night to travel on, sir," he answered.
" The dead arise to seek redemption; and the
!

Fi6nd claims his own. Godforfend the right

" A list of packman's lies " quoth I.
" Good-night " and, with a nod, I rode off.
!

A few roods away, I turned round.

There in the west window of the bookroom,
a great flare of candles in her hands, my beloved
stood, vainly striving to discover me. As I
looked the steward approached; took the
lights from her the twain disappeared into
;

the hall :and nought remained except the

blackness, and the driving wind and rain.
With a shiver, I rode onward into the
blustering night, but ever and anon turned
again, as if that dear scene yet greeted my
vision.
When well on the road I repented of the
outset. The wind blew snell ; coming with
impetuous gusts, it battled about me and shook
the sure-footed mare from her foothold the :

rain increased, it cut against my face ; soon to

penetrate my clothes and chill me to the bone.
Marry, thought I, it is little wonder
Yssolane had bodings, as Cassandra rolled from
side to side and stumbled on in the now
194 Hidden Witcheiy.
thickening darkness for hurrying clouds had
;

cloaked both moon and stars. The wind

swept across the hill-land, howling like
Beelzebub the rain lashed against me with
;

sharpened force and I had much ado to

:

keep my seat, far less note the way.

Thinking to obtain a sheltered path, I
turned off the roadway into a bosky bottom
that wound to the moor, down to the cross-
roads, where the hill-track converged with
the highways.
As I rode down this hollow the air became
more stilly; though above, the storm yet
ripped shrilly across the gap. In time the
wind grew calm, and the rain ceased save
for a spent spitter. Around me the trees
stood together thickly —
I could scarce see
to pick my way beneath their overhanging
boughs. The darkness deepened, and the
stillness greatened never a stir in the wood,
:

never a motion in the air no sounds around

;

me save the crackling of withered branches

beneath Cassandra's trampling, or the occa-
sional hoot of an adventurous night fowl.
I had gone some miles, by this and now
;

heartily wished the journey at an end my:

 :
;

At the Crossroads on the Moor. 195

travelling so lonesome and eerie. 'Twas as

Nature were dead, or colledting her forces for
some monstrous outburst.
Some little way on the wood thinned apace
but this did not lighten the murky gloom,
that settled down and packed the intervening
spaces.
Suddenly I pricked my ears, and drew
Cassandra a-standstill,
A strange sound shivered the silence
around, afar and anear, a rustling murmur
filled the air. The heart of the wood thrilled
with mysterious fears the leaves began to
;

sharpen one against another with sibillant

agitation. Then quietness reigned. stoat A
scuttled, from out a coppice, squealing with
alarm it dashed against the horse's hoof;
:

only to flee onward squealing louder than

afore. Cassandra took sudden fright, and
bolted from the spot.
I regained the mastery with difficulty;
and we jogged onward at a speedy pace.
Soon the mouth of the bottom was reached.
And, with a sigh of satisfadiion, I noted
the gloom lift somewhat due, doubtless, to
;

a rising breeze that came and went in puffs.

 "

196 Hidden Witchery.

Ineared the turn whence the path de-
bouched upon the crossroads. Cassandra
slackened her pace. Suddenly she stopped
— move she would not, but stood stock-still
with splayed feet and labouring nostrils ; a
shiver throughout her frame.
Some strange affair must be ago here
thought I and with that got off her ; and
:

going ahead some few feet peered inquisitively

about.
Nought could be descried among the
bracken and broom nought save the darkness
:

which seemed to fludtuate and waver before

my very eyes.
" Pest, upon the night " cried I.
!
" One
could think Satan moved all nature to his
!
hand
Even with that a bellow of wind blustered
down the bottom, screeching and weeping
like very hell's self —
Cassandra broke from
me. Turning in a trice, she fled up the way
we came, neighing like a steed demoniac.
I burst into a volley of oaths, and took
after the galloping horse: but in vain ;

already the beat of hoofs was dying away in

the distance.
 At the Crossroads on the Moor. 1 97
" Lackaday," I cried, " it will scurry back
to the Grange and then, such hubbub as
:

man never knew " and I fell a-swearing

!

like a Spanish Walloon.

However the fit of anger spent I set home-
ward for though the moor road was lonely
;

yet it was fine, firm walking whereas the —

path Grangeward was full of many woes for
a benighted traveller and I own to little
;

liking for the woody part, 'twas so eldritch.

Moreover, the stretch was only of some three
miles more and I was at my gates.
:

Now the wind had arisen, yet, as the rain

held off and the road ran free, I stepped out
merrily. But in a few minutes the song
died upon my lips the lightness, from my
;

heart. The soughing of the wind as it

moaned around the broomy knowes appealed
to some dread sense within me, and instilled
a certain sensation of fear, foreign to my
nature.
I closed my ears to the eerie sounds, and
forced my pace ; but aye the breeze seemed
fraught with a strange burden.
The moor lay still never so much; as
rabbit's spud, or curlew's call. And as I
 ;

198 Hidden Witchery.

neared the crossroads remembrance flashed
into my head of the dead lying there an :
—
iiEgyptian slain by her own hand —
buried in
;

a suicide's grave, her body impaled by a stake

through the bowels.
I shuddered, and, by closing my eyes, tried
to drive away the recolledlion of an ashen
pale face and ruddy-ringed throat.
Of a sudden a motion of fear shot into me.
With a start I gazed before md. I blinked
my eyes.I closed them; and threw my
hands on my brows, and wondered if I were
dreaming. On the patch of ground that
knit together the roads was an illumination
— —
of tapers the figure of a corpse the person
of a man.
I had never deemed myself a coward ; yet
now found myself on my hands and knees
hiding from that light as a thief in the night.
Who the man was—who the corpse—I knew
not. An uncontrollable shuddering rippled
into me ; a desire for instant retreat : but
with a muttered oath, cursing myself for
my cowardice, I advanced warily upon the
scene.
But, mark you, some instinft ruling me, I
 —

At the Crossroads on the Moor. 199

crawled and crept like the vilest spy in

creation, — which is far from my nature.
At length I came within some three or four
ells, and covertly ensconced myself upon the

near side, behind a great bush of eldergrowth.

'Twas the corpse of the suicide : I could
note her swarthy tresses clotting to the
decayed head. The body lay stretched East
and West ;the arms by the sides. The
putrified hands bore altar candles ; the feet,
likewise : and strange, though the wind
swayed the eldergrowth, the flames never
flickered but unwavering shed their light I ;

could note the stuffs that bound the tapers

'twas silken.
The Man, his face was from me I knew ;

him not yet, by his hunchback, now could

:

tell him amid a thousand.

He contemplated the loathsome spedtacle
for a moment then, with a gesture, placed
:

a sacred wafer upon the liquid lips and on

;

the swimming eye-balls. With his hands he

made three mystic signs, and three times
three walked round the body.
I strained my sight to observe his face, but
alack, it was so swathed with linen, that
 :

200 Hidden Witchery.

nought was visible except the eye holes in
the spotless bands.
Then the import of the whole broke in
upon me. At Eastertide witchery renew the
instruments wherewith to work their evil
will. And the Man sought an unshrived soul
striving with the subtle wiles of Hell to
conjure it from its dread abode by false
hopes of redemption from sin and probatory
punishment. Thus he wrought to secure
him his familiar for a term and a term.
The dreadful significance cruelly clouted
my brain ; a cold sweat gathered on me ; I
lay crouching, behind my shelter, sapless and
inert.
At the ninth round the Man tarried before
the ^Egyptian's head. He made an abomin-
able obeisance towards the East then re-
;

moved the wafers, and spat blasphemously

upon them.
A hurricane wind clamoured around yet :

never the lights so much as flickered they

:

pointed steadily upward as if to pierce the

louring clouds and attract the eye of Heaven.
But the darkness deepened, swath upon swath.
The Man stooped. Taking a golden
 At the Crossroads on the Moor. 201
chalice in his right hand, he sprinkled holy
wine upon the mouldering mouth and fore-
head then made three mystic signs
; and ;

three times three walked round the dead.

But I had no thoughts on him. Out of
the night I saw a vast Shadow loom and
overspread the land, covering heath and
home till with encircling closure it surged
:

in, and in, upon the unhallowed spot. Yet

the Man knew it not.
Again ninth round He tarried before
at the
the ^Egyptian's h.ead once more to spill the
:

holy wine of redemption upon those accursed

lips.
The Shadow came nigh. Within its cloak
of chilly blackness my horror-stricken eyes
descried the hideous forms of Hell's prisoners:
crowding, crushing to its lessening rim, to
wager on Hell's Plot against High Heaven.
And the Man knew, and bowed before the
shadow and, crying with a loud voice, com-
:

manded the unshrived soul to come forth.

The corpse quivered: it thrilled; and was
transfigured with life.

The Man arose, and smote the woman

heavily on her mouth with the crucifix.
 :

202 Hidden Witchery.

The doors of death swung open and the :

tongue of the dead was loosened.

An overwhelming outburst of terror rioted
in me. With a mighty effort I found a
voice. " Dear Jesu deliver me " rang from
my very soul. But the boom of the startled
bitterns drowned my cry and the Shadow
:

still came nigh. . . .

When sensibility returned a morning sun

poured his glory upon the moors the air was;

balmy and pellucid no clouds fretted the

;

serenity of the blue sky.

I sprang up, and looked about. eyes My
bore upon the crossroads and without in-
;

terest the Man

: —
it was the Man I looked—
for ; and though no trace of the affair was
visible I fied in mad terror from the spot.
The sun, the freshened air, the springy turf
soothed my troubled brain and my heart
;

lightening, I clapped my hands in glee and

shouted with delight.
Ere I knew I was beside a cot, around
which a scattered band of men was collefting.
I stood stock-still. Fright paralyzed me
the Man might be there. But in an instant
I was off. Voices cried out my name.
 At the Crossroads on the Moor. 203

'Twas but a feint of His and with a cry of

:

dread I sped the faster.

I heard the sound of runners of pursuers ; :

their calls to one another their nearing feet,

;

I redoubled frantically my pace a false step :

— a shelving bank and I fell headlong into

;

a bushy thicket.
The pursuers plucked me out with tender
care.
" The Man ! The Man !
" I yammered ;

and thrust violently from them. But firm

hands held me, and strong arms w^ound
about.
" Who, be the Man ? " my
master, who
servants implored. I but gibbered the faster,
and struggled the more. With sorrowing
and wondering hearts they bent homeward,
carrying me in their arms.
Midway, across a swamp, they encountered
an early traveller.
" Why, what fool " cried an ar-
is this ?

rogant voice, as I lay babbling and foaming

at the mouth. " The Man " repeated the !

horseman " what Man

: Let me see the .?

Lackaday, — Lovelace Woe

woe,
—
idiot.
mournful
'tis a
Sir
sight for his bride
!

!
"
204 Hidden Witchery.
Affright seized me. I stopped my bab-
bering for a moment, the tongue clove to
;

the roof of my mouth.

"The Man, the Man," I cried shrilly;
and, pointing at him, wrestled violently with
my keepers.
" God's life, he is moonstruck " said the
!

rider. How he froths and fumes Stand

" !

aside, loon " and he jerked his bridle-rein.

:

" Nay, nay, not so fast away " called a

!

voice. " Confront him with the master.

Maybe he can say more." And willy-nilly
they dragged him to me.
I shrieked, and strove to escape but all
;

anought. They confronted us. His hunch-

back seared my sight like a red-hot iron. In
a fit of bedazing terror I spat at him.
" He hath bewitched the master," cried
one. " Ay," echoed another " sink or swim
:

the wizard in the moss."

So in a tumult of cries and strife they tossed
the Man far into the quickening morass.
—
He crawled to the side; only to be thrown
farther into the slime. Again he floundered
to the brink. With their swords they thrust
his bleeding carcass deep into the sludge.
 At the Crossroads on the Moor. 205

Now I lay quiet in the grip of my keepers,

crowing with deUght, and, loosened, could do
nought but jump, and jump, and hullpa from
very joy.
A strange Shadow athwart the swamp
fell

as the Man sank low, and lower, into the

slime. His evil eyes hurled malediftions
upon us ; but never spake he a word. And
the Shadow flitted nearer and nearer to his
head.
Deeper and deeper he dropped. The
swelling slough swayed around, heaving to
his maddened struggles up against his chin.
With a gulp he disappeared beneath the
surface. As his breath-bubbles welled out
on the quivering ooze a burst of fiendish
laughter grated from above and I stotted to
:

the ground, raving like one demented. . . .

The murmur of a cushat call floated in

through an open window it sounded sweet
;

in the dewy gloaming filtering in, with the

;

odour of blossom and garden scents. Without

I saw some fir trees dark and high against the
pale blue evening sky, and through my half-
closed eyes looked at the crows hovering
about the bushy tops. Ay, said my wander-
2o6 Hidden Witchery.
ing thought to my fevered brain, I'll harry
—
the nests to-morrow if my mother 's not at
hand : and with that I fell asleep.
When next I awoke it was daytime. The
curious sun slipped in his beams between the
shaded lattice. One ray glowed across the
darkened chamber, to fall upon a prie-dieu
encumbered with the gown of a kneeling
figure.
I gazed vaguely at this sight for some
minutes. The sound of weeping fell upon
my ear, and roused my heart from its dull
repose. I started up, but fell back with a
moan. " Yssolane, Yssolane," rang from
feeble lips.
Then quick, soft patter of flying feet: a
wet cheek on mine: and heart spake to
heart again.

Eastertide, 1897.
 THE POTION,

THE TRAGICAL ENDING OF THE LOVES

OF VIOLA, DUCHESS OF SIENA, AND
MARZIO, SEIGNEUR D'ALIBERT,
HER SOMETIME LOVER.
 —

... It fellupon Martinmas Eve that this marvellous

beauty died some say of the same poison, which, all un-
:

knov^ingly, she had administered to her lover ; yet some

say otherwise ; averring her death was occasioned by the
Fearful Hand of God. For as the fair and carnal Lucrece,
daughter of the Borgia, nourished nought but foulest
leprosy of sin, so this, the prodigious beauty of the time,
nourished nought save cunning murder and lewd wanton-
ness of body. Therefore, her sudden death, the multitude
assigned to Divine Retribution. Truth to tell, upon be-
holding the monstrous destru6Hon of her lover, she died
as a common woman ; of a broken heart. , , .

IsLiP. His "Journey.

 THE POTION.
An hour before midnight. A large, square room
on the topmost storey of the west donjon of
a castle in the Apennines. To the left,
there is the staircase door : to the right; a
door opening upon the battlements of the
tower. The stone walls of the room are
dusty and bare, save beside the three, narrow,
upright windows, where hang dark, heavy
curtains of coarse cloth. The east window
is uncovered: through the chinks of the

shutters comes a low rhythm of dance

music, borne upon the gusty wind; now
and again raindrops sweep heavily against
the wood. Most of the room is in shadow:
sometimes, from the fires and furnaces
ranged against the walls, dull red flames leap
up, arid fill the darksome place with a lurid
glow. Upon the north wall hangs a
lamp ; the body thereof, a human skull
2IO Hidden Witchery.
ribbed with silver bands. From a long
it

tapering jlame is emitted, which shows up

indistinctly the copper alembics and other
appurtenances of the alchemist, who sits
beneath the light alongside a narrow oaken
table, upon which stand a few phials and
an hour-glass. He reads a manuscript.
There are no sounds in the room, save the
music faintly intermitting as the wind comes
and goes, save the bubbling of liquids in
retorts and pans.
The Alchemistfolds up the manuscript.
He turns the hour-glass.

Alchemist.
'Tis yet three minutes to the appointed
hour. That is —by the method
of infusion
Malabris used. {He manuscript
opens the
again, and reads ^ "When the golden liquid
clearing, becomes limpid as dew, the philtre
is ripe for usage."
\He rises, and stepping over to a close-

fire nigh to him contemplates

the stuff.

Alchemist.
'Tis an odd humour of the Duchess to
 !

The Potion, 211

possess this love philtre. Why, what wants

she with it ? Some fine morn, a sluggish
gallant will awake with love buzzing in his
brain, and his blood afire. 'Tis indeed an
odd humour Yet, ever since the Lord
!

Marzio married, she has been strangely

mannered. And my Lord the Duke notes
it not
\H.e holds the flask up to the light.
As he does so a light knock
sounds against the staircase door :
it opens:and the Y)\scYi.Y&% enters.
A great gust of wind swirls
around the tower; the rain gouts
against the shuttered windows.

Duchess.
Perugio? The the philtre?
philtre,
Quick! lest I be missed from the throng of
dancers.
\Ti'he Alchemist bows: he hands
the flask to her.

Duchess {^gladly).
Oh, Perugio But but listen ? I also
! — ,

lack a deadly potion, one drop of which will

cause death. I must have it now at once. —
 ! ! .

212 Hidden Witchery.

The Alchemist {turning to the table
behind hini).

Madam ! here is an extraft. One small

drop of this amber liquid corrupts the blood ;
corroding the veins and flesh even unto death.

Duchess.
Give it

Alchemist (arresting her outstretched arm).

Not so fast ! Listen. He who compounded
this essence of death diedby reason of the
same his unshrived soul roams eternally
:

throughout the world and 'tis said, that,

:

aye the night a mortal is to die from this

unsavoury draught, three times a strange
tapping sounds without the soul unshrived, —
striving to warn its fellow.

Duchess {contemptuously)
A tale for a winter's night with wind and
robbers without Give it !

[He puts the potion into the proffered

hand. An evil look gathers
on the beautiful face of the
 :

The Potion. 213

Duchess; then,a bakful, trium-

phant smile. The luinds moan
about the battlements.

Duchess.
This is dearer to me than life. Only one
small drop i' the cup and the soul has gone
:

from her lovelit eyes, and the pulse of her

bosom is stilled. Only one small drop !

Sir, this is sure }

Alchemist {nodding his head).

It has the power.

Duchess (motioning to the philtre in

her left hand).
But this philtre ! Is it proper stuff .?

[Alchemist gently removes the flask

from her left hand. He holds it
up to the lights and examines it.

Alchemist.
See. The
golden colour transfuses into a
limpid and the liquor is ripe. Ah,
clarity ;

—
madam, were I even old and withered as I
—
am were I to drink of this from your hand
 !

214 Hidden Witchery.

my brain and body would be drugged with
the essences of Love's incitement. No peace
nor rest would be mine until Love's fruition
;

had crowned the exalted senses !

Duchess {snatching it from him).

O —
Love, and Death. To think I hold the
fadlors of Life within the palms of these
small hands
[She gazes at the phials with a rapt
expression upon her face : she
gently shakes them.

Alchemist.
Be steady, madam — lest a drop, spilt upon
your right hand, brings horrors not yet known.

Duchess.
Oh, I care not. But, Perugio ! seal them
up; lest one precious atom be lost: and,
prithee, mark well the poison.
[She Her hands clench.
ceases. A
passionate gesture breaks from
her. She moalks rapidly up and
down the room with her eyes
iixed upon the floor.
 .

The Potion. 215

Duchess {hotly).
I see her. Marzio is with — her her,
his wife. They are in the west gallery by
the entrance to my tiring room— oh, I
know —ensconced behind the tusser curtain,
where he and I a thousand times have been.
See. She clips him round the neck; and
fawns upon him, worse than the meanest
courtesan. — Oh, shameless
shameless ! !

Ah She thinks I break my heart for him.

!

Fool! —
I am here —
here, conjuring your
destrudtion.
\She stops suddenly, and turns round
to the Alchemist, laho has
been busy on the phials.

DtTCHESs {^ehemently; pointing to the death

potion)
Perugio does it envenom
! Will her .?

veins boil with blood so foul, that her ex-

quisite face and alluring bosom can nourish
masses of loathly corruption ? Will it brand
her as the hideous objedt of hatred?
\She seizes him by the shoulder.
2i6 Hidden Witchery.
Duchess {fiercely).
Say — it does so.

Alchemist {putting down the unclosed

phials upon the table).
For that, —
the potion needs watery dilution
to ten thousand times its bulk. So then:
one drop i' the day for a month breeds
leprosy, and many foul sores upon the
body. Nay! the afflidted is as a veritable
lazar house.

Duchess {warmly).
Rare, rare, news! God! to see her
accursed grace and beauty stink before my
eyes : the while, I have again chained
—
Marzio to me. Oh, that blessed philtre of
Love But I must away
! You may kiss !

—
me, Perugio on the mouth, if you wish.
Nay, not so warmly but as becomes an ;

ancient. Fie fie you press too hard.

! !

\She starts, and listens intently. 'The

rushing winds whirl about the
tower; dashing against the un-
curtained window a weird
 The Potion. 217

rhythm of dance music. The

•wafts
of air cause the furnace
fames to leap up: the entire
room is bathed in a lurid light.

Duchess.
Hark to the night How the winds roar
!

about the towers. Hist there are the last

!

bars of the Zarabanda. I must away. But

to-night —
to-night —
the potion for Saint
Issola !

Alchemist {with deprecatory gesture^.

Madam is there no way save by the
!

poison ? She has no blemish in her sweet

nature except all engrossing love for her lord
Seigneur d'Alibert,

Duchess {fiercely; drawing herself up).

What more Is that not offence ? Who
?

am I, that she should have reft him from me.

—I — the Duchess of Siena —the toast of a
thousand feasts. I would brush a myriad
Issolas from my path did they thwart
me. And she ? — I shall destroy this chit-^as
 8 ;

21 Hidden Witchery.
the wanton child a
by part. What is
fly

that
upon the pane
?
— part
a sudden calm nvithout.
\T!here is Two
knocks ring clearly upon the
battlement door. 'The Al-
chemist starts. Slowly he
traverses the room, and flings
open the door : nothing is visible.

The thick darkness looms in

and the raindrops spitter upon
the dusty steps.

Alchemist {in a strained voice).

Who is there ? Who is there ?

\There comes no reply. He peers

out : shrinking back, he shuts
the door hurriedly: then he makes
the sign ofthe cross in a furtive
manner.

Alchemist (to himself).

'Tis strange : no one was there. Were
there two knocks ?
 .

The Potion. 219

Duchess {Regarding herself in the mirror of

burnished silver underneath the lamp, and
arranging her mantle so as to conceal her
face).
It must have been upon the staircase door.
\T^he Alchemist opens the staircase
door. He looks down the wind-
ing stairway. He shakes his
head, then looks again intently.

Duchess.
Why, what see you ?

Alchemist (in an odd voice)

Seigneur d'AHbert. He is coming hither.
[The Duchess starts. For a moment
she perturbed : then a look of
is

great passion creeps upon her

face. She clasps together her
hands: a note of yearning
sounds in her voice.

Duchess.
Marzio — ! What wants he here ? Oh, to
meet him alone, — face-to-face. See, Perugio,.
220 Hidden Witchery.
have the door open : behind it. So.
I slip —
Now, not a word — not a word, about me.
[Marzio, Seigneur d'AHbert, stum-
bles into the room: he recovers
his balance with an effort.

Marzio {looking angrily around).

A curse on your plaguy stairs my toes ! —
are knocked out of shape! The Duchess
here Never a chance on 't. I said as much
!

afore coming on the fool's errand, but the

rogue of a page

Alchemist {interrupting him).

The Duchess ?

Marzio {crossly).
The same She has been missed some
!

time back, loonAof a page averred he had

noted her hurrying hither.

Alchemist {shrugging his shoulders).

Sir, you see all. But, why seek her with
such haste ?
 The Potion. 221

Marzio.
Seek her ? God's life, 'tis the Duke. He
is so doting and love-crazy, that never a
moment can he suffer her absence. 'Tis
apparent, master alchemist, that you move
but seldom from your lair among the pots
—
and pans ; the whole Court rings with it.
Faugh! This atmosphere breathes poison.
Never for a moment would she think to come
here. Yet, if she did —her rare beauty would
so purify the air, that, from its very sweetness,
would I recognize her presence. Even now,
there is a subtle savour in the place, that
catches on my senses.

Alchemist {hastily).
Ay, there are many odorous gums about.

Marzio.
A goodly tree to distil such fragrant oozings.
{Measuredly.) 'Tis strange : the odour catches
somewhat on my memory.
[Marzio sits down in the\ Al-
chemist's chair: his attitude
relaxes. He closes his eyes : he
breathes heavily.
222 Hidden Witchery.
Alchemist.
My Lord ! a glass of strong waters ?

Marzio (slowly).
No, no. 'Tis nothing.
\IIe passes slowly his left hand over
his forehead, down upon his
eyes; then lets it fall languidly
by his side. He opens his eyes
wide before him, and speaks as if
in a trance.

Marzio.
It is aye the same — aye, the same. I am
ever as a sick man dreaming dreams of his
golden summer's prime one, living in his ;

dreams ; one, dreaming throughout his life.

Oh, to encounter red-hot at the core or,

life —
to feel the being reel beneath the shock of
Passion. But, to drudge on and on and ;

fetter Love, God's gift, with the iron grip of

circumstance. Nay 'Tis too much for any
!

proper man to endure.

\W'ith a start Marzio pauses, then ,

risesand hastily paces up and

down the room.
 ;

l^he Potion, 223

Alchemist.
My Lord, —what ails you ?
\T^he Duchess drops her pomander
box. Marzio stops.

Alchemist.
A pestle, my Lord, a pestle fallen from its
place. What ails you ?

Marzio {in an outburst").

Ails me — what
me, you ask ? Sir,
ails
what knowledge have you of the flesh ?
What drug can dull the keen edge of ever
poignant memory, or cause the unforgetful
to forget. Her face to-night her flower- —
like face with its dark passionate eyes set
hotly upon mine her tender lips, like open-
:

ing buds upon her ruddy mouth her grace :

her beauty. And that peddling dotard, the

Duke, by her side at the feast leering upon
;
—
—
her ; stealing his lean arm about her, until he
had embraced her, even before our sight.
— 'Tis hell itself to think on't and she once :
—
mine ! —
Oh, fool, fool, to enrich honour at
the expense of self.
[He flings himself into the chair ; his
224 Hidden Witchery,
throbbing head upon the palms
of his hands. The Alchemist
approaches, and lays his hand
upon Marzio. The Duchess
makes an uncertain movement
towards them. Marzio looks'
up before him : she retires again.

Alchemist.
My Lord, be calm !

Marzio {looking up).

Calm !
—Be calm—you said. Shall the iire
cease its heat ? or the sea, its motion ? —Then,
indeed, passion shall cease to madden men.
—
Ay, passion nought, but brute passion.
Tush ! be silent and save your wind. Prate
;

to me of honour, who never knew what

womanly honour is, until, alas, too late for

valuation ! who
only appraised her purity
from impure motives Ah, Issola !Have I !

not fought for purity and probity of heart.

For you, have I not striven a thousand times
against this blind passion, that consumes
me; against this glamour, still thrown in
the mere flicker of a woman's eyes. Ah,
 The Potion. 225

Issola,you can ne'er even imagine the case.

{Springs up.) Sir is there no magic, no
!

potion, that can drive this obsession from me.

—
Drug me spell me but free me from this
:

hidden witchery of the flesh. {Recalls

himself.) Pshaw ! how I screed like a mad-
man. So, sir, I can say the Duchess is not
here ?

[Marzio steps towards the door. His

foot knocks against the pomander
box, driving it away. He stops
and stares at it — his finger
pointed towards it. As the
Alchemist rushes forward to
pick it up the Duchess steps
out from behind the door her —
face ghastly pale. She stretches
out her arms towards Marzio :

with a little inarticulate cry, she

swoons against the door, which
shuts with a metallic clang.

Alchemist.
Madam ! Madam !

[Marzio springsforward. Suddenly

he halts ; a look of amazement
 .

226 Hidden Witchery.

and consternation flashes upon
his face. The Duchess opens
her eyes.

Marzio {bowing low).

The Duchess !

Duchess {with an effort recovering herself)

Yes, the Duchess. Sir, you are searching
for me?

Marzio {bowing).
The Duke demands your presence.

Duchess.
Demands God, every touch of his stings
!

me like an asp And you I caught your

! —
eye to-night, as he kissed me on the cheek.
Marzio, come back to me come back to —
me.

Alchemist {expostulating, puts his hand upon

her arm).
Madam, the Duke !

\^She takes no heed but advances

 The Potion. 227

towards Marzio, who steps

back until he is nigh to the
hanging lamp.

Alchemist {more intensely).

Madam, you are the Duchess !

Duchess.
Oh, I am
the Duchess and what of :

that ? Cannot love ? The merest scullion

I
maid can choose her mate but born to a
: I—
loveless marriage, bound to a wooden stock
called a husband —
am I not flesh and blood??
Can I too not love and hate.? I am the
Duchess : and I am a woman.
[Marzio opens his lips, then shuts
them determinedly pained
. A
grows upon his face :
expression
suddenly his eyes close, his shoul-

ders fall. The Duchess looks at

him with a passionate-lit glance,
then swiftly approaches him.

Duchess {softly).
Marzio ?
 .

228 Hidden Witchery.

Marzio {striving to recall himself; looking
up at her)
Madam, the Duke your presence.
desires
[T'Ae Duchess makes an angry ges-
ture : she turns upon her heel,
and ivalks towards the staircase
door. Of a sudden, she comes
back to him: a curious look
grows upon her lovely face, her
eyes glow with a strange light.

Alchemist {intercepting her).

Madam, be mistress of yourself! Leave
him.
[But the Duchess pays no heed. She
advances so near Marzio that
her breasts touch his shoulder,
her breath moves his wavy hair.
She fixes her great eyes intensely
upon his face: half clinging
upon him, she twines her fingers
about his right hand.

Duchess {slowly, passionately).

Marzio Not one word for me ? not one.
! —
\He trembles : gives way : throwing
 The Potion. 229

himself at her feet, he casts his

arms about her, and kisses hotly
the cloth of her gown.

Marzio.
Viola. Viola.
\But in an instant he throws himself
from her, and springs up.

Marzio {wildly).
No! no! Save me from myself! Help
me, oh God! God! Hear me. {Speaking
with great effort^ Go. Your husband awaits
you.
\]ile indicates the door to the Duchess,
who is looking at him with im-
movable eyes, Tet of a sudden
he casts down his sight from her
all-devouring gaze ; the out-
stretched arm falls by his side.
A great look of triumph flashes
over her face, and is gone.
'The Alchemist is stepping
between them, when suddenly he
falls with a motion of
back
terror, as a tapping upon a
 ;

230 Hidden Witchery.

door reverberates loudly through

the stillness. A mighty clap of
wind clamours about the tower.

Alchemist {turning towards the staircase door

awestruck voice).
in
Again f It is the warning. But yet ;
—the
third time. —
The third time.
\He withdraws from the laboratory.
Neither Marzio nor the Duch-
ess stirs ; nor do they hear the
Alchemist's footsteps sound
loudly on the stairway, then die
away as he recedes. Suddenly
the Duchess advances swiftly
to Marzio's side, and closes
upon him.

Duchess {impetuously).
Marzio ! what need of foolish scruples?
Have we not loved and suffered: let us
love again. Love is God's gift it knows ;

no control, nor abatement from that false

notion called honour for. Love is Nature's
:

eternal Law of sex and sex; the ordinance

 The Potion. 231

that rules the universe. Marzio, my Marzio,

be blind no longer to the truth. We two
loved, and parted. We tw^o have striven
to live apart. Yet in vain. For, as surely
as the tide meets the main in its ceaseless
ebb and flow^, so we meet again, again ; and
yet again. Be wise. Fate has decreed it.
Marzio! speak to me.
[Marzio looks at herfor an instant.
Mastering himself, he turns
away his gaze. He moves
somewhat from her.

Marzio {thickly).
Viola! you speak, what I ne'er thought
to have heard again from you. Ever for the
past your words have rung in my
months
ears :
—
'Tis best you marry her
" and we :

part." You said so with mocking laughter

in your voice and the very devils in Hell
:

grinned at the news. Hush Nay, I never

!

spoke so cruelly to you. Have you for-

gotten so soon never shall I. The words
:

scorched deep into my brain as you uttered

them that night we stood upon the terrace,
within the shadow of the cypress tree. My
 —

232 Hidden Witchery.

—
hands were on your shoulders my lips upon
your cheek (I thought on that, when he
kissed you this evening at the board). I was
wild torn with passionate desire, with doubts
;

an.d fears but you—you grew so calm, and

:

C0I4, and saintly —

just like one of sculptor
Baldarasso's little angels in the chapel. I re-
member
a firefly
well —
you stirred apart and nipped
between your fingers. " 'Tis best
you marry her and we part " said you and
: ;

moved my hot hands from off your bosom.

The very moonbeam, flitting upon your face,
shared in your disdain, and concealed your
eyes and crimson mouth in the darkness

Duchess {interrupting him).

Marzio Marzio say no more
! ! I was !

mad with the bitter jealousy of an unheeded

woman

Marzio {without attention to her).

So calm and saintly you were, that I deemed
cold reason had quenched Love's potency ;

that no longer were you my beloved, but

Viola, Duchess of Siena, recalling me to my
 The Potion. 233

duty towards the State and her; the paramount

lady of the land. So, as the Duke elefied,
I wooed Issola, my pure-souled Issola. Yet,
day and night, I see nothing, but one woman's
face —hear nothing, but one woman's voice
ringing in my ears.
\Tie stops, then strides to her arid
grips her by the arm. Both
stand underneath the lamp. In
a near corner., from out some
alembic, wavering circles of
vapour jloat upwards to the
stone ceiling, and, gathering,
slowly creep along the dusty
rubble work like a tangled cloud-
let. Without, the wind has
fallen, the rain is a mere
drizzle, the music of the dancers
sounds loudly, and the noise of
the changing guards. Within,
all is silence save the occa-
sional crackle of the charcoal.

Marzio [hotly).
If I stand again with you in the shadow of
that tree. Would you kiss me back ? Would
 :

234 Hidden Witchery.

you rejedt me, if I sued
? Speak. [Flings
her arm away.) Bah think the old mad-
! I
ness last^ ; but, not the pain, not the pain, of
your disdain.
[He turns from her, and walks quickly
up and down the dim place.

Duchess {flinging out her arms to him).

Marzio I was not myself. I was crazed
!

with an imagination.
evil, jealous To have
you look upon another woman was as a slash
across my heart. I know men are wantons
and, that you should have dared to fling one
glance or thought elsewhere, than to me,
maddened me as only jealous love can mad-
den. I was wrong, Marzio. I was quite
wrong.
[Marzio stops short pacing
in his
to and fro : he gives vent to a
bitter, short laugh.

Marzio {indignantly, vehemently).

look on another woman
I There is but !

one woman in the world. The world rings —

with her name : —
Viola, Viola. I throw looks
and thoughts at other women! Never an
 . :

The Potion, 235

hour passes, but you slip into my mind un-

awares, and turn foul to fair, darkness to
light. Never a night, but my heart cries
for you and, dreaming, I awake to hear
; my
call of " Viola " echoing in the air. I — !

God's life and what of the sweet favours,

!

and smiles, thrown to every cringing courtier.

This one to kiss your hand, because he plucks
a lily from the moat and has wet his toes
at the marge —
that one to encircle your
dainty foot and ankle as you swing into the
saddle,
\With a sudden gesture he advances
upon her.

Marzio {hotly ; recklessly)

my
You^you
service
arraign — me
you,
—body, mind, and
who claim

Duchess {interrupting him with a triumphant

cry ;flinging her arms about him).
—And love.
[Involuntarily their lips meet. Again
the night has grown stormy
the wind and rain lash against
the tower: but, above the tempest
 .

236 Hidden Witchery.

sound the strange rhythms of
the Zarabanda, waxing and
waning as the wind changes.

Marzio {controlling himself with an

effort ; disengaging her).
No ! you must not. Go to the Duke.

Duchess (positively).
Beloved ! Love knows nought except his
own calls.
[She kisses him again ; and clings
tenderly upon him. Marzio
puts her a little from him.

Marzio.
Nay, not so It is your duty.
! We two
have dreamed life's sweetest dream. (Oh,
once more, to dream such a dream then :

die.) Hush hear! me. Love is the all-in-

all of Life but Life, not of Love. There
;

are demands and duties, tasks and obligations,

higher and holier than Love's.

Duchess (falling from him)

Why ! what mean you ?
 ;:

The Potion. 237

Marzio.
You have the Duke ; the State : I — Issola
and my birthright of manhood. Our distinct
duties are demanded of us. Fate has written
it so.
Duchess {warmly).
'Twas Fate threw us together. We cannot
part : for 'twixt man and woman Love and
Fate are one.

Marzio [sadly ; shaking his head).

You err: 'twas Passion, not Love, that
threw us together but a base
; and Passion is

growth. Love, that knows not the beloved

from her body, nor her body from herself
that is Fate.
\T'he Duchess rests her head for a
moment on his shoulder : she
kisses the lace collar of his doub-
let : then stares before her.
Marzio strokes her dark tresses.
He takes her hand, and presses
his lips upon the fragrant palm.

Marzio.
Madam we ! will hurry to the Duke. He
will indeed be uneasy.
 .

238 Hidden Witchery.

Duchess {pith a swift motion removes herself;
she puts a hand upon her throbbing
forehead)
I know not what this means. Oh, how
my head does ache !

[She wavers, then falls backwards —

Marzio catches her. With a
sigh, she puts her arms roimd
his neck, her head upon his
shoulder.

Duchess {reproachfully).
Marzio, your words are cruel they cut me :

to the heart. Let us love, while love we

may.

Marzio {liis eyes closed; his voice thick with

suppressed emotion).
They are cruel me, also, they cut to the
:

heart. But the truth must be told. Viola,

each has but pandered to the other's passions :

even our surrender was the fruition of selfish,

inborn desire. Where is no abnegation of
—
self body, mind, and soul is no love. —
Pas-
sion was our portion —
brute passion.
 The Potion. 239

\For a second both are still: she look-

ing straight before her at his
strained face. Suddenly she
throws herself from his arms,
and seems as if striving to re-
call herself She brushes the
hair back from her forehead
and temples : she is agitated
strangely.

Duchess.
Ah, ah [Stranglingly in her throat ; then
!

fiercely^ Your arms, sir, keep them for your

Issola
looks
—your Saint
contemptuously
Issola.
at
{She steps back, and
him.) Tied to her
girdle strings ! Seigneur d' Alibert — a woman's
pap-child Love what knows your saint of
! !

Love Can she drench the soul with such

?

ecstasy that it swoonds beneath its load ? Can

she enwrap the senses, and make the unreal
real — this common earth into Heaven's self ?
Oh, man ! am I mad Do I live ? Or
? is all

thisone horrid mockery of make-believe ? Oh,

to think I have loved such an ignoble crea-
ture. To you I risked fair
think, that for
fame and fortune, threw honour to the winds
240 Hidden Witchery.
and made chastity a by-date in my calendar.
Vile wretch, '
I —
to sue at your
a Duchess —
feet ; to proffermatchless face and
this
figure, these tender arms and hands, a sacrifice
to you.-:— Oh, the shame will kill me. Yes,
sir! tell the Duke I come.
\T'he Duchess points significantly to
the door. Marzio staggers
towards it like a giddy person :

he half turns, and, speaking

with difficulty, totters upon his
feet.

Marzio.
Madam ! Loved I not Honour now so —
would I love you the less. {'Turns to the door.)
How she hates me —how she hates me.
[Suddenly he puts his hands to his side.

Marzio.
'Tis as a hand gripped my heart. My
head swims. I — I

\He reels backwards into the chair

beneath the flickering lamp : to
his right is the table, whereon are
 ;

The Potion. 241

the potion and philtre. The

Duchess springs forward to
him.

Duchess (urgently anxious").

Marzio I did not mean what
! I said.
—
Speak to me speak to me !

\She kneels by his side : her voice is

full of passionate entreaty.

Duchess.
It was my head —
not my heart that —
prompted my cruel words. I I love you —
yet, Marzio.
\She leans her head affeSlionately
against him ; her arms seek
round him. Marzio's head is
thrown back: his breath comes
in pants : his voice is thick and
suffocated.

Marzio.
I know not, what I do, orIt is hard
say.
to do the right —
to do the right, and not sin.
\He passes his hand over his brows
R
242 Hidden Witchery.
and gives vent to an in-
articulate moan. The Duchess
peers intently at him. A sudden
thought flashes into her head: a
joyous., triumphant look gathers
upon herface. She glances around
for the philtre, and, observing it,

arises to her feet ; yet fronting

the table so as to conceal the
phials, she puts out her right
hand behind her and seizes a
phial. Still considering him
with eyes close-set, with that look

of increasing triumph and love

deepening upon her beautifulface,
she pours out the liquid.

Duchess {softly, persuasively).

Marzio, drink this cordial : and we will
hurry to the Duke,
[She puts the goblet into his hand.
Like a man in a dream he drinks.
For an instant, he holds the
goblet in his trembling hand,
then, with a shrill cry, flings it

from him.
 —

The Potion. 243

Marzio (rising up ; his voice choked).

Ah—ah {Mightily.) Viola. Viola.
\So, crying aloud her name, he falls
dead at her feet. The Duchess
screams : she flings her hands
upon her face.

Duchess.
The poison ! —
the poison !

\She sways heavily above her lover's

corpse. The tempest rages with-
out: yet, even abwe the screaming
of the wind, two raps sound
without. With a howl, the
wind bursts open the battlement
door : the rain beats in ; the
drops hiss as they fall upon the
andfurnaces : from
hot alembics
ofthe castle ring
the lower reach
the strange cadences of the
Zarabanda ; weirdly rising and
falling upon the eddying wind.
The Duchess starts : she stares
fixedly beyond the open door, out
into the black raging night. Sud-
denly, she screams with terror.
 — —

244 Hidden Witchery.

Duchess {incoherently).
What is that shadow? There. There.
Coming near : and nearer. It is — it is

No, God. God —not yet.f No, Death, —

not
yet, not yet. Ah (screams). Marzio.
Marzio.
[5*0, screaming aloud his name, she
falls dead across his body. Yet,
ever the Zarabanda sounds on.

Lammastide, 1897.

FINIS.