He opened the door with a brave swing while uttering these words, but started back in dismay, for there, upon the gravel of the path, stood a woman with a crimson mantle over her shoulders and its hood drawn close around her face. "Is the dame or her husband at home?" inquired the woman in a clear, rich voice that made the housewife start. "I wish to see either Jason Brown or his wife." "If you are an honest woman and no witch, come in," answered the young man, half closing the door against her, notwithstanding his invitation. The woman advanced to the door and pushed it gently open. Goody Brown arose with a flush on her cheek and called out, in a voice of infinite relief, "It is the lady! it is the lady!" Barbara Stafford entered the room, and went up to the excited housewife. "I come at an untimely hour," she said, pushing the red hood back from her face, "but it could not be helped." "Sit down, sit down, and take off your things," said the housewife, greatly relieved, for she had learned to love the gentle lady, and believed in her. "Sit down. We have had tea long ago, but Jase shall rake open the fire, and hang on the kettle in no time." "No, no, it is impossible! I cannot wait," answered the lady, resisting Mrs. Brown's effort to unclasp her cloak. "A few words only and I must go back again." "What! to-night?" "Yes, at once." "To Boston--to the governor's house?" questioned Goody Brown. "No, no, farther than that. I have a long ride through the woods." "Through the woods!" exclaimed four voices at once. "Why, they swarm with wild beasts and savage Indians!" "Ah, me," answered the lady, "it is not of them I am afraid: my best friends are in the forest." "But how will you ride, lady?" asked the young carpenter, looking at her with growing distrust. "I have a swift and sure horse, and know how to ride even in the night. Beside I came with an escort." "Of white men or devils?" questioned the hired man, nursing his thumb, and eying the lady with sinister glances. "Nay, it is wrong to speak of these unhappy children of the woods in this fashion. They have been a grand people, and possess power even yet. I marvel that they are pursued with such hatred." The benevolent smile that broke over her noble face as she spoke charmed half the superstition out of that rough heart. As for the others, they forgot all distrust, and oppressed her with offers of hospitality. "Not to-night. I will come and sleep in your pretty room again," she said, laying her small hand on Goody Brown's shoulder. "But now I must be in haste. Tell me, Brown, for it is urgent that I should know, when the ship will be ready to sail." "It is hard to tell," answered Brown, "but here is the master workman: he knows best." Barbara turned a questioning look on the young man, who answered it as if she had spoken. "Some time this fall the craft will be ready."