The carriage proceeded over the rocky path, for it could scarce be termed a road; the wind whistled in at the windows; and the snow drifting, covered every object. “There it comes again,” said the affrighted nurse. “What comes?” “The shroud with the death’s head peeping out of it. It was just such a night as this, last Friday night as ever came, when the doctor’s brother, the prophet Camioli, on his death-bed, sent for his ungrateful daughter, and she would not come. I never shall forget that night. Well, if I did not hear the shriek of the dear departed two full hours after he gave up the ghost. The lord help us in life, as in death, and defend us from wicked children. I hope your dear ladyship doesn’t remember that it was just on this very spot at the crossing, that Drax O’Morven was murdered by his son: and isn’t there the cross, as I live, just placed right over against the road to warn passengers of their danger.—Oh!”... “What is the matter, nurse? For God sake speak.” “Oh!”... “Stop the carriage. In the name of his Grace the Duke of Altamonte, I desire you to stop,” cried a voice from behind. “Drive on, boys, for your life. Drive on in mercy. We are just at Baron’s Down:—I see the lights of the village, at the bottom of the hill. Drive for your life: a guinea for every mile you go.” The nurse shrieked; the carriage flew; jolts, ruts, and rocks, were unheeded by Calantha. “We are pursued. Rush on:—reach Baron’s Down:—gallop your horses. Fear not. I value not life, if you but reach the inn—if you but save me from this pursuit.” “Stop,” cried a voice of thunder. “Fear not.” “Drive Johnny Carl,” screamed the nurse. “Drive Johnny Carl,” repeated the servant. The horses flew; the post boys clashed their whips; the carriage wheels scarce appeared to touch the ground. A yell from behind seemed only to redouble their exertions. They arrive: Baron’s Down appears in sight: lights are seen at the windows of the inn. The post boys ring and call: the doors are open: Lady Avondale flew from the carriage:—a servant of the duke’s arrested her progress. “I am sorry to make so bold; but I come with letters from his grace your father. Your Ladyship may remain at Baron’s Down to-night; but to-morrow I must see you safe to the castle. Pardon my apparent boldness: it is unwillingly that I presume to address you thus. My commands are positive.”