But his purpose was disconcerted by the young lady (she was not above eighteen years old), who ran joyfully towards him, and, pulling him by the cloak, said playfully, "Nay, my sweet friend, after I have waited for you so long, you come not to my bower to play the masquer.

You are arraigned of treason to true love and fond affection, and you must stand up at the bar and answer it with face uncovered--how say you, guilty or not ?" "Alas, Amy!" said Tressilian, in a low and melancholy tone, as he suffered her to draw the mantle from his face.

The sound of his voice, and still more the unexpected sight of his face, changed in an instant the lady's playful mood.

She staggered back, turned as pale as death, and put her hands before her face.

Tressilian was himself for a moment much overcome, but seeming suddenly to remember the necessity of using an opportunity which might not again occur, he said in a low tone, "Amy, fear me not." "Why should I fear you ?" said the lady, withdrawing her hands from her beautiful face, which was now covered with crimson,--"Why should I fear you, Master Tressilian ?--or wherefore have you intruded yourself into my dwelling, uninvited, sir, and unwished for ?" "Your dwelling, Amy!" said Tressilian.