“Do you know the sun is down?” asked Arthur, “and that your path lies through the woods?”
Helen started, and for the first time became aware that the shadows of twilight were deepening on the landscape. She did not think Arthur Hazleton would accompany her home. He would test her courage as he had done before, and taking a hurried leave of Miss Thusa, promising to stay and hear many a legend next time, she jumped over the stile before Arthur could overtake her and assist her steps.
“Would you prefer walking alone?” said Arthur, “or will you accept of my escort?”
“I did not think you intended coming with me,” said Helen, “or I would have waited.”
“You thought me as rude and barbarous as ever.”
“Perhaps you think me as foolish and timid as ever.”
“You have become courageous and fearless then—I congratulate you—I told you that you would one day be a heroine.”
“That day will never come,” said Helen, blushing. “My fears are hydras—as fast as one is destroyed another is born. Shadows will always be peopled with phantoms, and darkness is to me the shadow of the grave.”
“I am sorry to hear you say so, Helen,” said the young doctor, taking her hand, and leading her along the shadowy path, “and yet you feel safe with me. You fear not when I am with you.”
“Oh, no!” exclaimed Helen, involuntarily drawing nearer to him—“I never fear in your presence. Midnight would seem noonday, and all phantoms flee away.”