With singular agility the damsel had availed herself of the trunk of a mulberry-tree, and climbed aloft like a kitten.

The ease and certainty with which she moved showed that she was familiar with this strange spot.

In another moment she was seated on the coping of the wall.

Then Silvere, taking her in his arms, carried her, though not without a struggle, to the seat.
"Let go," she laughingly cried; "let go, I can get down alone very well." And when she was seated on the stone slab she added: "Have you been waiting for me long?
I've been running, and am quite out of breath." Silvere made no reply.

He seemed in no laughing humour, but gazed sorrowfully into the girl's face.