t,
however, as she was, Katey, on the evening in question, had not, without a
motive, dispensed with the companionship of the staid female domestic who
usually attends young ladies in Ireland, when they are necessitated to go
out shopping after dinner by themselves. It might be for this reason, that
she hastened homeward with more anxiety than usual, although her step was
neither as elastic, nor her brow as unclouded, as they were wont to be.
But she did not pursue her way uninterrupted.

CHAPTER II.

Half-way upon the road, where a stile opened into the adjacent fields, a
man suddenly appeared, and, coming forward, walked for some paces in
silence by her side, as though awaiting some recognition before he
ventured to address her. He was of middle stature--his figure was entirely
concealed in the thick and ample wrappings of a long, dark riding-coat,
(or _bang-up_, as it was called,) common to that country; his step was
firm, and its very sound, quick and decided, so different from the
shambling pace of the peasant, told that, whatever he might be, he did not
belong to that condition. As Miss Tyrrel showed no symptom of surprise or
alarm, it is possible his appearance was not entirely unlooked for. She
likewise, however, forbore to speak, and the stranger at length was
obliged to commence the conversation--turning back, at the same time, the
high collar by which his face was muffled, and exhibiting features so
extremely dark that they would have been deemed repulsive, had they not
been finely formed, and enlivened by the full light of manhood, which,
however, some feeling of deep interest, or passion, seemed at the present
to overcloud.

"The hour is come that we have so often talked of," he said, in a low
tone. "I have no time to waste, Katey--_are you ready?_"

"Then you were right in your conjecture," said Miss Tyrrel, with an
unembarrassed air; "your retreat is discovered?"

"At least it can no longer shelter me. News arrived to-day that the soul
of this ill-starred enterprize--Emmett--has perished by legal murder in
Dublin. The gibbet awaits all those of his followers who may be arrested.
Certain intelligence has reached me that my assumed name and character are
no longer of avail--the local authorities are aware of my real offences.
If I do not instantly escape, before the coming midnight I shall be a
prisoner."

"I expected this," said Katey, half musingly; "it could not be otherwise;
you yourself antici