go, as spoke my lord and master, to 'prove my love for him;' then, should I perish, I shall at any rate feel a martyr's consolation." CHAPTER XV. THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE. "As one who, from the sunshine and the green, Enters the solid darkness of a cave, Nor knows what precipice or pit unseen May yawn before him with its sudden grave, And, with hushed breath, doth often forward lean, Dreaming he hears the splashing of a wave Dimly below, or feels a damper air From out some dreary chasm, he knows not where." --JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. On the following day a solemn procession descended the stone steps which led to the door of the famed secret passage, and after some shrieking and pretence at fainting on the part of Lady Rosamond, she and Primrose, attended by Sir Ivor, and preceded by two of the men-servants carrying lanterns, plunged into the dark recesses of the tunnel. At first the darkness and the stooping posture which had to be maintained were considerably trying to the two fair ladies, though, having once started, neither would give in nor own to the slightest fatigue. And as their eyes became more accustomed to the dim light, it seemed to grow stronger and brighter, and they were able to see the ruggedness of their path, and choose their steps more warily. The walls also gradually increased in height, so that in many places they could walk for some distance without stooping, though again at times there would be a sudden fall, and they were fain to crawl on hands and knees through some narrow tunnel, emerging somewhat exhausted, yet finding the situation far too exciting to allow of actual weariness. "I would we could walk through to Bryn Afon!" exclaimed Primrose. "That would be a grand adventure!" "It is little short of twelve miles in distance, my child," said Sir Ivor, "and bravely though you are still travelling, I dare hardly take on me the responsibility of such a journey for either of you! Were Lord Bryn Afon at the castle and aware of our intention, so that he might admit us, and allow of our returning by the road, after sleeping off our fatigues, it would perhaps be another matter." "Ah, I would he were there!" cried Primrose; "yet an he were"--and her face fell--"I might not venture there with you, for by my mother's orders I have ever been most strictly forbidden to set foot within the castle walls. I often marvel why she has such dread of the curse which has fallen upon it." "Bryn Afon Castle is avoided by all," said Sir Ivor, "so that your mother's prohibition is not so passing strange. The rumour of the curse is widely spread over the country hereabouts, and has been so these hundred years and more, and there are few among Lord Bryn Afon's Welsh friends who ever venture a foot therein. In truth, I believe that none are e'er admitted, save only the friends he himself brings with him when he sojourns there awhile,