All this began to resemble a preconcerted scheme.
She waited anxiously, with dilating eyes, and ears bent forward, like the stag which hears the first bay of the distant hound.
“Besides,” observed the woman, quietly, “if you tried to run away you might meet with an accident.” She produced a dark lantern from underneath her shawl, and flashed the light in front of them.
By the yellow stream of light she distinguished a black opening in the ground, at the distance of scarcely three feet from where they were seated.
She shrank back, shuddering. The woman smiled grimly.
“I do not understand your meaning, or what your purpose is,” cried the miserable Laura.
“You will understand all presently, I dare say.”
“Gracious heaven! you are——”
“Mrs. Grover, your old friend,” replied the woman. “A light suddenly dawns upon you.”
“You do not mean to harm me?” cried Laura.