this time
I must remain here and await the providence of God. I should only
hinder you in your flight, and you would at last have only a corpse to
convey across the border.'

'I stir not from your side!' sobbed the tender Faith, clasping her
mother with anxious affection.

'That would be folly, my child,' said the mother, earnestly, 'and a
very childish demonstration of your love. You and your betrothed are
the objects of the search of our persecutors. They would have little
desire to encumber themselves with me. I have wandered here as a
peasant woman, and our hostess can give them to understand, that I am a
yarn gatherer suddenly taken ill at her house. Your charms, and
Oswald's stately figure render it impossible for you to be concealed in
the same way, and therefore you must instantly forth.'

'Never!' cried Faith, wringing her hands.

'It is my will,' said the mother, with decision. 'Will you, my
daughter, increase the sorrows of your sick mother by disobedience, and
betray by your presence what otherwise may remain undiscovered? Would
you see your lover fall before your eyes, unable to defend you against
superior force?'

'I obey,' sighed Faith; and she hastened to pack a small bundle and put
on her cloak.

'By the holy faith which we profess in common,' said the hostess, 'you
leave your mother in good hands.'

'I am sure of that, and consequently depart with confidence,' said
Oswald, leading the inconsolable maiden to her mother's bed-side.

With bright eyes the mother placed her daughter's hand in that of
Oswald. 'Be ye one, here and hereafter!' cried she. 'That is my
blessing upon your espousals; and now let me beg of you to go directly,
without any leave-taking, for which I have not strength, and which will
rob you of time, every moment of which is invaluable.'

Faith attempted to speak again, but her mother pointed towards the
door, and Oswald led her forth.

CHAPTER XVII.

Daylight had long since disappeared when Oswald and Faith alighted from
their wagon at a solitary inn beyond the Bohemian boundary. 'Here you
are for the present in safety,' said the conductor who had brought them
from Friedland, knocking at the door. 'The people of the house are
honest, and of our faith at heart. The vicinity is full of secret
Hussites.'

'Who comes so late?' asked a little, dark-complexioned old woman,
opening the door with her hand held before a flickering torch.