"Think, fair maiden, of what I have told you. You have been sold to one of those reprobates, whose name I think they mentioned, was Baetens. The gold, I know, you value not; but think of thine own dear self--suffer me to enter the house, and think not for one moment that my story's feigned. I swear to thee, by the soul of my poor dear mother, now, I trust, in heaven, that every word is true." "Baetens, said you, sir?" "If I mistook them not, such was the name; he said he loved you once." "That name I have in memory--I know not what to do or what to say--my father has been summoned to a birth, and may be yet away for many hours. Yet how can I open the door to you--at night--he is not at home--I alone? I ought not--cannot--yet do I believe you. You surely never could be so base as to invent this tale." "No--upon my hopes of future bliss I could not, maiden! You must not trifle with your life and honour, but let me in." "And if I did, what could you do against such numbers? They are four to one--would soon overpower you, and one more life would be lost." "Not if you have arms; and I think your father would not be left without them. I fear them not--you know that I am resolute." "I do indeed--and now you'd risk your life for those you did assail. I thank you--thank you kindly, sir--but dare not open the door." "Then, maiden, if you'll not admit me, here will I now remain; without arms, and but ill able to contend with four armed villains; but still, here will I remain and prove my truth to one I will protect against any odds--yes, even here!" "Then shall I be thy murderer!--but that must not be. Oh! sir--swear, swear by all that's holy, and by all that's pure, that you do not deceive me." "I swear by thyself, maiden, than all to me more sacred!" The casement closed, and in a short time a light appeared above. In a minute or two more the door was opened to Philip by the fair daughter of Mynheer Poots. She stood with the candle in her right hand, the colour in her cheeks varying--now flushing red, and again deadly pale. Her left hand was down by her side, and in it she held a pistol half concealed. Philip perceived this precaution on her part but took no notice of it; he wished to reassure her. "Maiden!" said he, not entering, "if you still have doubts--if you think you have been ill-advised in giving me admission--there is yet time to close the door against me: but for your own sake I entreat you not. Before the moon is up, the robbers will be here. With my life I will protect you, if you will but trust me. Who indeed could injure one like you?"