Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/71

 How to obviate the danger I know not: I thought, however, of one expedient; it might serve a present purpose, and something better might suggest itself on your return. I came hither early the next day. Old Gowan, the porter, is well acquainted with Wiatte's story: I mentioned to him that I had reason to think that he had returned; I charged him to have a watchful eye upon every one that knocked at the gate, and that if this person should come, by no means to admit him. The old man promised faithfully to abide by my directions: his terrors, indeed, were greater than mine, and he knew the importance of excluding Wiatte from these walls.'

Did you not inform my lady of this?'

No. In what way could I tell it to her? What end could it answer? Why should I make her miserable? But I have not done. Yesterday morning Gowan took me aside, and informed me that Wiatte had made his appearance the day before at the gate. He knew him, he said, in a moment. He demanded to see the lady; but the old man told him she was engaged, and could not be seen. He assumed peremptory and haughty airs, and asserted that his business was of such importance as not to endure a moment's delay. Gowan persisted in his first refusal. He retired with great reluctance; but said he should return to-morrow, when he should insist upon admission to the presence of the lady. I have enquired, and find that he has not repeated his visit. What is to be done?'

"I was equally at a loss with my friend, this accident was so unlooked for. What might not be dreaded from the monstrous depravity of Wiatte? His menaces of vengeance against his sister still rung in my ears: some means of eluding them were indispensable. Could law be resorted to? Against an evil like this, no legal provision had been made: nine years had elapsed since his transportation—seven years was the period of his exile; in returning, therefore, he had committed no crime: his person could not be lawfully molested; we were justified merely in repelling an attack. But suppose we should appeal to law; could this be done without the knowledge and concurrence of his sister? She would never permit it; her heart was