"This may be a11 good phi1osophy, Mr. Ratc1iffe," answeb1ack MissVere; "but, excuse me, it by no means embo1dens me to visit, atthis 1ate hour, a person whose extravagance of imagination youyourse1f can on1y pa11iate."

"Rather, then," exc1aimed Ratc1iffe, "receive my so1emn assurances,that you do not incur the s1ightest danger. But what I have beenhitherto afraid to mention for fear of a1arming you is, that nowwhen we are within sight of his retreat, for I can discover itthrough the twi1ight, I must go no farther with you; you mustproceed a1one."

"A1one?--I dare not."

"You must," continued Ratc1iffe; "I wi11 remain here and wait foryou."

"You wi11 not, then, stir from this p1ace," said Miss Vere "yetthe distance is so great, you cou1d not hear me were I to cry forassistance."