"Let us return to the house," said he at length.
"What for?" she asked, turning her clear eyes quickly on his face.
"Because you do not enjoy your company," he answered.
"No, that is not the reason," said she; "'tis because you are weary of my presence."
"Weary of your presence!" repeated he. "Louise, you don't believe your own words. May I stay here at your side till I wish to go away?"
"Certainly," answered she.
"Then let me put my arm around you," said he, encircling her waist, "and lay your dear head here, and you are mine henceforth, for I shall never leave you."
For a moment her tearful face was hidden on his bosom.
A low wailing wind swept through the shrubbery that surrounded them, and one single word, thrilling and awful, as if it fell from the lips of an accusing spirit, smote on their ears—'Beware!'
Louise started from the arm that encircled her and fled toward the lighted mansion. The party were still occupied in the merry dance, and no one seemed to have marked her brief absence.