Like slaves under their master's frown, they crouched before this fearful personification of their unhallowed and forbidden practices, and departed.
"Gervase Buckley," she cried, "thou art betrothed to the heiress of yon wide possessions."
"I am," said he, roused either to courage or desperation, even in the presence of a being whose power he felt conscious was not derived from one common source with his own.
"Dost thou confirm thy troth?"
"I do; in life and in death she is mine."
"Pledge thyself, body and soul, to her."
"I am hers whilst I live, body and soul. Nothing but death shall part us."
"On thy soul's hope thou wilt fulfil this pledge!"
"I will." Gervase looked wistfully towards his beloved. The inanimate form was yet pale and still; but a vague hope possessed him that the witch would again quicken her.
"'Tis enough. But it must be sealed with blood!"