I could not answer her, neither for that matter could I answer myself when the question came to me. But I think I know now. Although my father had taught me to distrust all men, he had always led me to think of my mother as a beautiful noble woman, one who was as pure as an angel, and as truthful as the sun which shines in the heavens. Thus it came about that I was led to look at womanhood through the medium of my mother's life, and to regard it as a gentleman's duty ever to treat them with respect and reverence. Nay, more, I had learnt, I know not how, to regard it the first duty of a man of honour ever to seek to befriend a gentlewoman, and that at all hazards. "Because you are a gentlewoman, and you are in trouble," I said. We had been standing beside the pond during this conversation, as though we desired to delay entering the dark woods close by. Once beneath the shadows of the trees we should scarce be able to see each other, but here no shadow fell, and I could see her plainly. I heard her sob, too, as though my words had touched her heart. "Do not be afraid," I said, "I will let no man harm you." I spoke as a brother might speak to a sister, and there was naught but pity in my heart. Perhaps my voice had a tremor in it, for I was much wrought upon. Be that as it may, for the first time she lost control over herself, and she gave way to tears. "I am afraid, oh, I am afraid," she said. "You need not be," I said, "no harm shall befall you." "Oh, but you do not know. You do not know who is by your side, you do not know what I fear." "You need not fear to tell me," I said. "Fear to tell you!" she cried, "but I do. Ay and if it were known that you walk by my side, and that you seek to befriend me, your life would be in danger. You do not know why I have consented to come here, you do not know of what I am accused. Nay, if I told you my name, you would either drag me back to Folkestone town and tell--" Here she ceased speaking, as though she were frightened at her own words. "No I should not," I made answer. "Why?" "Because I do not believe you are capable of committing a crime." At this she laughed aloud. A hard, cruel, bitter laugh. "You had better go back to your bed, Master Rashcliffe," she said. "You do not know why I am here, you do not know what my mission is. I will tell you. I am here because I fear the devil, and because I seek to do his bidding." She said this as if through her set teeth, and, as it seemed to me, with terrible passion. In spite of myself I felt a shiver pass through my veins. Nevertheless I still pitied her. For be it remembered I was only twenty-three, and the sight of the maid was in truth piteous. All the same the words I spoke next were dragged from me almost against my will. "What!" I cried. "Have you sold yourself to the devil?" "Ay, Master Rashcliffe, that is it, and I have found him a hard master." I saw her clench her hands as if in a frenzy, while her eyes gleamed with a great passion.