“Why not?” said she. And she rose and smiled, and went tripping before him, He followed, groaning inwardly, and sore perplexed.
“There,” said she. “Have no fear! Nobody ever comes here, but such as pay for the privilege.”
Clement looked round the room, and prayed silently for wisdom. Then he went softly, and closed the window-shutters carefully.
“What on earth is that for?” said Janet, in some uneasiness.
“Sweetheart,” whispered the visitor, with a mysterious air, “it is that God may not see us.
“Madman,” said Janet; “think you a wooden shutter can keep out His eye?”
“Nay, I know not. Perchance He has too much on hand to notice us, But I would not the saints and angels should see us. Would you?”
“My poor soul, hope not to escape their sight! The only way is not to think of them; for if you do, it poisons your cup. For two pins I'd run and leave thee. Art pleasant company in sooth.”
“After all, girl, so that men see us not, what signify God and the saints seeing us? Feel this chain! 'Tis virgin gold. I shall cut two of these heavy links off for thee.”
“Ah! now thy discourse is to the point,” And she handled the chain greedily. “Why, 'tis as massy as the chain round the virgin's neck at the conv—” She did not finish the word.