She rose and once again, with noiseless tread,

Crept down the stair, grey-cloaked and closely veiled,

While every shadow struck her cold with dread

Lest, drawing back the arras, Hild should stand

With mocking smile before her; but, unstayed,

She reached the stair-foot, and, no more afraid,

She sought a low and shadow-hidden door,

Slid back the silent bolts with eager hand,

And stepped into the garden dim once more.

She quickly crossed a dewy-plashing lawn,