a light heart. Life to them was sombre, and,
usually, sombre lives lead to bloodshed, crime and fanaticism.

Charles sought to instil some of his joy into the sad life of the
unfortunate maid. To him the sun shone brightly, the flowers bloomed
radiantly, and the birds sang sweetly for the pleasure of man. Life was
earnest, but not austere, and religion did not demand gloom.

"Have no care for what Mr. Parris may say," he said. "His congregation
is divided against him, and he cannot harm you."

"Only a little longer, just a little longer, and I will be gone where
they can torment me no more," answered Cora. "In the forests of Maine, I
will be hidden from the eyes of my enemies and be alone with God."

They rose and wandered down the path on either side of which the densest
of thickets grew. Both were lost in thought. A shadow had come over the
face of Charles Stevens the moment Cora spoke of going away. He had
never admitted even to himself that he loved her; yet, ever since that
stormy night when he volunteered to brave the tempest and conducted her
home, he had been strangely impressed with Cora.

The mystery of her early life was somewhat repugnant to one of his
plain, outspoken nature; yet, with all that, he was forcibly impressed
by her sweet, pure and sad disposition.

They were wandering pensively hand in hand toward his mother's home,
when a voice called to them from across the brook. The sound of the
voice broke the spell, and, looking up, he saw Sarah Williams coming
toward them.

"Hold, will you, Charles Stevens, until I speak to the one who
accompanies you."

The young widow was greatly excited, and her voice trembled with
emotion.

"Who is that woman?" asked Cora, trembling with agitation.

"Sarah Williams."

"I have seen her."

"Where?"

"At church. She was the one who upbraided Goody Nurse for being a
witch."

Cora was greatly agitated, as she saw Sarah Williams, with demoniacal
fury, hastening toward her. Surely she would do her no injury, for Cora
was not conscious of ever having given her offence.

"Have no fears, Cora, she will not harm you. I trow it is some
commonplace matter of which she would speak."

Thus assured, she had almost ceased to dread the approach of the woman,
when Sarah Williams suddenly cried, in a voice trembling with fury:

"Cora Waters, have you no sense of shame? Are you wholly given up to the
evil one?"

"What mean you?" Cora asked.

"Why do you torment