He had heard of my arrival, and now gave me a hearty welcome. I learnt afterwards that he had endeavoured to do all in his power to atone for the past, and that no one could be more true and faithful than he, after he had once shaken himself free from Wilfred's coils. And I found, too, that he had constituted himself Ruth's protector, and although she often had friends to cheer her in her loneliness, to the end she regarded him as her adviser and comforter. When Ruth and I were again alone in the library, she asked me to relate all that had passed since I had left her on that terrible night. Then I told her of the scene at my home on the night before, of Wilfred's avowal of hatred, and then of what had happened in the morning, and of Bill Tregargus's news. I described the journey to the Hall, and my inquiries of the servant, and at the cottage where I had been directed. "He told me you were dead," she said hoarsely. "I heard him," I answered. "I did not believe him," she went on; "I could not, something told me even then that you were near me, and so I was not afraid--but oh, I shudder at it now." "Thank God I was in time," I said; "and yet I cannot think he would have dared to do what he threatened." "I do not know, Roger; I dare not think of it; but what passed between you after you came here?" Then I told her all, told her of the curse which was said to belong to our race, and related how Wilfred had sworn that if it could reach me I should never know happiness. "Do you think it is true," I said, at length; "or do you think these stories are only vague rumours and idle tales?" "I cannot say," she answered. "Your mother told me many wild stories when I used to live at Trewinion Manor, and I thought they were true." "Then," I said, "if it is true, I cannot allow you to link your life with mine. Why should I bring pain and sorrow on your?" "I do not know whether these stories are true," she repeated; "but, Roger, I am yours always. If you are to have sorrows, I intend to bear them with you. I do not believe a curse can fall on a heart that is full of love like yours; but if you are to be cursed, Roger, I shall help you to bear it." And thus there was light, even on the one black cloud of the sky of my life. CHAPTER XXXIII THE DAWNING OF THE MORNING I would fain linger over that evening, and the days which followed. To me a new life full of joy and pleasure began. And yet I did not feel quite at rest. A fear constantly haunted me that Ruth would be taken away from me, so I begged her that there should be no delay in arranging for our wedding.