(_extricating himself cautiously from the tree._) Eternal
Providence, what have I heard! Murderers then are upon the watch for me!
no, no--not for _me_. _I_ cannot be the destined victim. I never yet
offended a human being, and fiends themselves would not destroy without
a cause for hatred. Heaven guard the threatened one, whoe'er he be!
Well, Prudence at least admonishes me to avoid the left-hand path; faith
any turn but that must prove the right for _me_. Ha! unless my eyes are
cheated by a Will-o'-th'-Wisp, a friendly light now peeps out through
yonder coppice. (_looking out_) Perhaps some woodman's hut, with a fresh
faggot just crackling on the hearth. Oh, for a seat in such a chimney
corner. (_Whistle again at a distance_) I hear you, gentlemen,
a pleasant ramble to you. Adieu, Messieurs! space be between us! yours
is a left-handed destiny; I'll seek mine to the right. [_Exit._

SCENE V.--_The outside of a cottage in the wood; a light burning in
a casement._

Enter _Monica_, supporting herself on a crutch, and carrying a
basket of flax.

_Mon._ Praise to the virgin! my old limbs have reached their resting
place at last: what a tempest! my new cardinal is quite drenched. Well,
I've kept the flax dry, however, that's some comfort, (_strikes against
the door._) Ho, there, within--open quickly.

[The door opens, and a female wildly dressed, appears; she catches
Monica's hand with affection, and kisses it.]

_Mon._ Ah, my poor Silence! thou hast watched and fretted for me
preciously, I'll warrant: but the road from Brisac is long, and this
rough night half crippled me.

[The female feels her damp garments, and seems with quick
tenderness to invite her into the house.]

Well, well, never fright thyself, if I shiver now, a cup of warm Rhenish
will soon make me glow again: 'faith I am weary though; wilt lend an arm
to an old woman?

[The female embraces and supports her.]

Ah, there's my kind Silence.

[Exeunt into the cottage.

Enter _Florian_ running and out of breath, from the left hand.

_Flor._ I'm right, by all the household gods! 'Twas no goblin of the fen
that twinkled to deceive, but a real substantial weatherproof tenement
shining with invitation to benighted travellers. Oh, blessings on its
hospitable threshold; my heart luxuriates already by anticipation, and
pants for a fireside, a supper, and a bed. Hold though--just now I was
on the point of shaking ha