But Alice, though her blood ran cold at her terrible father’s language, saw in his very design the prospect of escape. In an hour of drunkenness he thrust her from the house, and stationed himself to watch her--it was in the city of Cork. She formed her resolution instantly--turned up a narrow street, and fled at full speed. Darvil endeavoured in vain to keep pace with her--his eyes dizzy, his steps reeling with intoxication. She heard his last curse dying from a distance on the air, and her fear winged her steps: she paused at last, and found herself on the outskirts of the town. She paused, overcome, and deadly faint; and then, for the first time, she felt that a strange and new life was stirring within her own. She had long since known that she bore in her womb the unborn offspring of Maltravers, and that knowledge had made her struggle and live on. But now, the embryo had quickened into being--it moved--it appealed to her, a--thing unseen, unknown; but still it was a living creature appealing to a mother! Oh, the thrill, half of ineffable tenderness, half of mysterious terror, at that moment!--What a new chapter in the life of a woman did it not announce:--Now, then, she must be watchful over herself--must guard against fatigue--must wrestle with despair. Solemn was the trust committed to her--the life of another--the child of the Adored. It was a summer night--she sat on a rude stone, the city on one side, with its lights and lamps;--the whitened fields beyond, with the moon and the stars above; and _above_ she raised her streaming eyes, and she thought that God, the Protector, smiled upon her from the face of the sweet skies. So, after a pause and a silent prayer, she rose and resumed her way. When she was wearied she crept into a shed in a farmyard, and slept, for the first time for weeks, the calm sleep of security and hope. CHAPTER III. “How like a prodigal doth she return, With over-weathered ribs and ragged sails.” _Merchant of Venice_. “_Mer._ What are these? _Uncle._ The tenants.” BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER.--_Wit without Money_.