“I wish I had kept on a little longer, and not disgraced myself by such a panic.”
“Nay, that is a cruel wish, for then I should have lost the happiness of helping you.”
They had been walking side by side, but here were forced to pause on reaching a broken flight of steps, for Amy could not see the way before her.
“Let me lead you; it is steep and dark, but better than going a long way round through the dew,” he said, offering his hand.
“Must we return by these dreadful vaults?” faltered Amy, shrinking back.
“It is the shortest and safest route, I assure you.”
“Are you sure you know the way?”
“Quite sure. I have lived here by the week together. Do you fear to trust me?”
“No; but it is so dark, and everything is so strange to me. Can we get down safely? I see nothing but a black pit.”
And Amy still hesitated, with an odd mixture of fear and coquetry.