ut all his gallant resolutions melted
away, and he remained mute and motionless, powerless to speak or act.
Apparently unconscious of Gilbert's presence, the lady stepped within
the recess and knelt before a statue of the _Mater Dolorosa_; the youth
was awed and abashed: he began to consider his daring adventure an
unwarrantable intrusion; he meditating kissing the hem of her garment
and retiring with all his love unspoken. In the midst of his suspense
Margaret arose and confronted him; her manner was formal and dignified
without being cold or stern.

"Are you Gilbert de Hers?" she said, in an undertone, but her voice was
firm and clear.

Gilbert bowed, but made no other reply.

"What is your motive in coming here?" pursued the maiden, still calmly.

The youth was silent, his eyes fixed on the pavement.

"Why have you come so mysteriously--in such a strange disguise?"

But still no answer came.

"Are you here," continued his fair questioner, with more emphasis, "on a
hostile mission? Are you seeking vengeance on our house by stealth? Are
you engaged in the prosecution of some criminal vow to injure us? Speak!
Have you come to draw blood?"

"No, no!" muttered Gilbert, finding voice at last; "I bear your house no
enmity."

"Beware!" said the lady. "Remember that for years you have been our
professed and bitter enemy."

"I was your enemy. I solemnly declare myself one no longer."

"Then what has impelled you to this step? Is it an idle curiosity--a
mere piece of bravado?" Gilbert made no reply.

"Is the object of your visit fulfilled? If so, fly at once! Your life is
in danger--you cannot long escape detection--it is dangerous to tempt my
father. Go! you will find none else here to listen to your denial of an
inimical intent in this reckless deception."

"My object is but half fulfilled!" exclaimed the youth, throwing himself
at the Lady Margaret's feet.

It would argue a poor knowledge of the quick apprehension of woman, to
say that the maiden was entirely unprepared for such a movement; but the
suddenness of the demonstration made her start. Gilbert's embarrassment
had disappeared in his fervor. He no longer stammered and stuttered,
but with unhesitating eloquence went through that ancient but ever fresh
story, found in the mouths of all suitors in all ages. Linda stood with
her eyes and mouth distended, looking as though she had been petrified
just as she was about to scream. It was rather a poor omen f