At length he started, and placing his right hand upon the priest's shoulder, said in a suppressed but eager voice-- "Go on--go on--they're coming." Then, turning to the female--"Come," said he; "come, Mary,--I'll help you." "Who is coming ?" she exclaimed, whilst the paleness of death and terror settled in her face; "for God's mercy, Raymond, who is coming ?" "I saw them," said he; "I saw them.

Come--come fast--I'll help you--don't thrimble--don't thrimble." "Let us be guided by him," said the priest.

"Raymond," he added, "we cannot go much faster through this marshy heath, but do you aid Mary as well as you can; as for me, I will try if it be possible to quicken my pace." He accordingly proceeded in advance of the other two for a little; but it was only for a little.

The female--who seemed excited by some uncommon terror, and the wild, apprehensive manner of her companion, into something not unlike the energy of despair--rushed on, as if she had been only setting out, or gained supernatural strength.

In a few minutes she was beside the priest, whom she encouraged, and besought, and entreated--ay, and in some moments of more vehement feeling, absolutely chided, for not keeping pace with herself.