“I fear your lordship is unwell?” remarked Nathan.
“No,” replied the earl, “but I have been much alarmed. I have just seen the Maiden.”
“Then I don't wonder your lordship is disturbed,” said the woodcutter. “May I venture to ask what occurred?”
“The spirit warned me to turn back,” said the earl. “But it is now too late.”
The woodcutter made no remark, but seemed to think that the warning ought not to be neglected.
On reaching the hut, Lord Derwentwater threw himself into the arm-chair and presently fell asleep. Nor did he awake for some hours.
During this interval, Dame Blacklaw moved about as noiselessly as she could, so as not to disturb him—Cheviot crouched at his feet—and Nathan went on with his work outside; but he left it, ever and anon, for a short space, while he flew to the skirts of the woods to reconnoitre.