'Hush!' cried the mysterious unknown, and advanced towards me; when, to my great relief, the door was thrown open, and the old peasant entered, with Mary behind him, holding a candle.
In the middle of the room, stood a man, clad in a black cloak, with black feathers in his hat, and a black mask on his face.
The peasant, pale as death, ran forward, knocked him to the ground, and seized a pistol and carving-knife, that were stuck in a belt about his waist.
'Unmask him!' cried I.
The peasant, kneeling on his body, tore off the mask, and I beheld—Betterton!
'Alarm the neighbours, Mary!' cried the peasant.
Mary put down the candle, and went out.
'I must appear in an unfavourable light to you, my good man,' said this terrifying character; 'but the young lady will inform you that I came hither at her own request.'
'For shame!' cried I. 'What a falsehood!'
'Falsehood!' said he. 'I have your own letter, desiring me to come.'