“This night?—at what hour?”
“Ere midnight.”
“And twilight,” said the Dwarf, “has already passed away. But fear nothing, there is ample time to protect thee.”
“And my father?” continued Isabella, in a suppliant tone.
“Thy father,” replied the Dwarf, “has been, and is, my most bitter enemy. But fear not; thy virtue shall save him. And now, begone; were I to keep thee longer by me, I might again fall into the stupid dreams concerning human worth from which I have been so fearfully awakened. But fear nothing—at the very foot of the altar I will redeem thee. Adieu, time presses, and I must act!”
He led her to the door of the hut, which he opened for her departure. She remounted her horse, which had been feeding in the outer enclosure, and pressed him forward by the light of the moon, which was now rising, to the spot where she had left Ratcliffe.
“Have you succeeded?” was his first eager question.
“I have obtained promises from him to whom you sent me; but how can he possibly accomplish them?”
“Thank God!” said Ratcliffe; “doubt not his power to fulfil his promise.”
At this moment a shrill whistle was heard to resound along the heath.