“And I fervently hope that, through her life,” added Marchdale, “she may never have such another trial.” “We will not for a moment believe that such a thing can occur twice.” “She is one among a thousand. Most young girls would never at all have recovered the fearful shock to the nerves.” “Not only has she recovered,” said Henry, “but a spirit, which I am rejoiced to see, because it is one which will uphold her, of resistance now possesses her.” “Yes, she actually—I forgot to tell you before—but she actually asked me for arms to resist any second visitation.” “You much surprise me.” “Yes, I was surprised, as well as pleased, myself.” “I would have left her one of my pistols had I been aware of her having made such a request. Do you know if she can use fire-arms?” “Oh, yes; well.” “What a pity. I have them both with me.” “Oh, she is provided.” “Provided?” “Yes; I found some pistols which I used to take with me on the continent, and she has them both well loaded, so that if the vampyre makes his appearance, he is likely to meet with rather a warm reception.” “Good God! was it not dangerous?” “Not at all, I think.” “Well, you know best, certainly, of course. I hope the vampyre may come, and that we may have the pleasure, when we return, of finding him dead. By-the-bye, I—I—. Bless me, I have forgot to get the materials for lights, which I pledged myself to do.” “How unfortunate.” “Walk on slowly, while I run back and get them.” “Oh, we are too far——” “Hilloa!” cried a man at this moment, some distance in front of them. “It is Mr. Chillingworth,” said Henry. “Hilloa,” cried the worthy doctor again. “Is that you, my friend, Henry Bannerworth?” “It is,” cried Henry. Mr. Chillingworth now came up to them and said,— “I was before my time, so rather than wait at the church porch, which would have exposed me to observation perhaps, I thought it better to walk on, and chance meeting with you.” “You guessed we should come this way?” “Yes, and so it turns out, really. It is unquestionably your most direct route to the church.” “I think I will go back,” said Mr. Marchdale. “Back!” exclaimed the doctor; “what for?” “I forgot the means of getting lights. We have candles, but no means of lighting them.” “Make yourselves easy on that score,” said Mr. Chillingworth. “I am never without some chemical matches of my own manufacture, so that as you have the candles, that can be no bar to our going on a once.” “That is fortunate,” said Henry. “Very,” added Marchdale; “for it seems a mile’s hard walking for me, or at least half a mile from the hall. Let us now push on.”