Bill Mills was obliged to stay on duty, in the old shepherd's absence, this evening as before, or give up his post and living.

He thought as bravely as he could of what lay behind the Devil's Door, but with no great success, and was therefore in a measure relieved, even if awe-stricken, when he saw the forms of the Duke and Duchess strolling across the frosted greensward.

The Duchess was a few yards in front of her husband and tripped on lightly.
'I tell you he has not thought it worth while to come again!' the Duke insisted, as he stood still, reluctant to walk further.
'He is more likely to come and wait all night; and it would be harsh treatment to let him do it a second time.' 'He is not here; so turn and come home.' 'He seems not to be here, certainly; I wonder if anything has happened to him.

If it has, I shall never forgive myself!' The Duke, uneasily, 'O, no.

He has some other engagement.' 'That is very unlikely.' 'Or perhaps he has found the distance too far.' 'Nor is that probable.' 'Then he may have thought better of it.' 'Yes, he may have thought better of it; if, indeed, he is not here all the time--somewhere in the hollow behind the Devil's Door.