Paul, who was a shrewd observer, detected at once that this was no ordinary woman before him, and saw from whom Joan had inherited her graceful, refined bearing and sweet, low-toned voice.

She was a much taller and finer woman than her mother had ever been, for she had something of her father's strength and stature; but for all that she owed much of her charm to her mother, and plainly regarded her with true filial devotion.
"I thank you heartily," answered Paul, as he held out his hand in greeting.

"I should be glad enough to rest, for a few days at least, in such pleasant quarters; but I must not let myself become a burden to you because that I have had the honour of rendering a trifling service to fair Mistress Joan here." "Nay, sir, it was no trifling service you did her; it was such service as must ever cause a mother's heart to swell with thankful joy.

What would have become of the maid carried off by that evil man to his own secret haunts I dare not even think.

Had they slain her before her parents' eyes, it would have been less terrible than to know her utterly at their mercy." "Ay, indeed it would," cried the girl, with dilating eyes.