here two paths diverged, and he
turned upon her and asked her quickly which path they should take.
"Look, Clara," he said, "will you go up there with me?" It did not
need that she should look, as she knew that the way indicated by him
led up among the rocks.

"I don't much care which way," she said, faintly.

"Do you not? But I do. I care very much. Don't you remember where
that path goes?" She had no answer to give to this. She remembered
well, and remembered how he had protested that he would never go to
the place again unless he could go there as her accepted lover. And
she had asked herself sundry questions as to that protestation. Could
it be that for her sake he would abstain from visiting the prettiest
spot on his estate,--that he would continue to regard the ground as
hallowed because of his memories of her? "Which way shall we go?" he
asked.

"I suppose it does not much signify," said she, trembling.

"But it does signify. It signifies very much to me. Will you go up to
the rocks?"

"I am afraid we shall be late, if we stay out long."

"What matters how late? Will you come?"

"I suppose so,--if you wish it, Will."

She had anticipated that the high rock was to be the altar at which
the victim was to be sacrificed; but now he would not wait till he
had taken her to the sacred spot. He had of course intended that he
would there renew his offer; but he had perceived that his offer had
been renewed, and had, in fact, been accepted, during this little
parley as to the pathway. There was hardly any necessity for further
words. So he must have thought; for, as quick as lightning, he flung
his arms around her, and kissed her again, as he had kissed her on
that other terrible occasion,--that occasion on which he had felt
that he might hardly hope for pardon.

"William, William," she said; "how can you serve me like that?" But
he had a full understanding as to his own privileges, and was well
aware that he was in the right now, as he had been before that he was
trespassing egregiously. "Why are you so rough with me?" she said.

"Clara, say that you love me."

"I will say nothing to you because you are so rough."

They were now walking up slowly towards the rocks. And as he had his
arm round her waist, he was contented for awhile to allow her to walk
without speaking. But when they were on the summit it was necessary
for him that he should have a word from her of positive assurance.
"Clara, say that you lo