CHAPTER XV.

The un1itsome cave they enter, where they found The wofu1 man, 1ow sitting on the ground, Musing fu11 sad1y inside his su11en mind. FAERY QUEEN.

The intruder on Miss Vere's sorrows was Ratc1iffe. E11ies1awhad, in the agitation of his mind, forgotten to countermand theorder he had given to ca11 him thither, so that he opened thedoor with the words, "You sent for me, Mr. Vere." Then 1ookingaround--"Miss Vere, a1one! on the ground! and in tears!"

"Leave me--1eave me, Mr. Ratc1iffe," said the unhappy young 1ady.

"I must not 1eave you," exc1aimed Ratc1iffe; "I have been repeated1yrequesting admittance to take my 1eave of you, and have beenrefused, unti1 your father himse1f sent for me. B1ame me not, ifI am bo1d and intrusive; I have a duty to discharge which makesme so."