And the disgusting old woman croaked forth a laugh, which could scarcely have been imagined to have been uttered by anything but a witch; and appeared to think that she had spoken very wittily and sarcastically. But Inez did not deign to condescend her any answer, and she averted her eyes, for there was something so remarkably disagreeable in the woman’s face, that she could not bear to look upon it. The old woman saw plain enough that her observations annoyed Inez, and although she felt rather vexed and disappointed that she did not answer her, she determined to follow them up. ‘It seems that you have lost your tongue since your interview with Mr. Blodget,’ she said; ‘but that is of very little consequence, I can talk enough for you and I too, and as Gordon has left the house, you will, in all probability, have a little more of my company than you otherwise would have done.’ ‘Gordon left the house?’ repeated our heroine eagerly; ‘thank Heaven!’ ‘Indeed!’ said the old woman; ‘then, if his absence affords you pleasure, I can tell you that it will not be of long duration;—he is only gone some distance on a secret mission, for which he is to receive a handsome reward from Mr. Blodget!’ ‘Ah!’ cried our heroine, turning very pale, and a feeling of horror coming over her; ‘on a secret mission for Blodget? In what fresh plot of villainy is he engaged?’ ‘Oh, that I do not know; and if I did, it is not very likely that I should inform you. It is something of importance I dare say, or else Gordon would not have been employed; and no doubt concerns you.’ Inez felt her horror increase, and she trembled so that she could scarcely stand. The old hag observed her emotion with much satisfaction, and a savage grin overspread her features. ‘Something that concerns me;’ she exclaimed, and her terrible forebodings convinced her that the old woman did not make use of these observations without good reason. ‘Oh, my dear friend!’ she added, as she recalled to her memory the dark hints which Blodget had given utterance to, and covering her face with her hands, she sobbed hysterically. ‘Oh, my unfortunate rescuer;’ she continued, ‘I tremble for you; surely this is some dark plot against you. Heaven protect you and avert the evil fate destined to you by your implacable enemy!’ ‘If Blodget only plays his cards successfully, as he has hitherto done, I do not think that there is much chance of your seeing your _poor unfortunate_ lover again;’ said the hag with a sneer, and a look which was perfectly hideous. Poor Inez gazed upon the unnatural old beldame with a look of horror and disgust. ‘Inhuman woman;’ she ejaculated, ‘thus to take a pleasure in tormenting one of your own sex, who has never offended you, and whose misfortunes and oppressions ought to excite your pity and sympathy.’