Page:Poems Sherwin.djvu/56

 At these words Amy's colour rose, and I could see that she was swelling with rage, when, to my astonishment, she demanded, imperatively, to know by what means he had obtained this knowledge.

The old man regarded her for a few moments, and then said, — "Maiden, thou art not wise: there is a secret power which revealeth to me many things,—but I have said too much to the faithless." Then, perceiving that I was inspecting his books, he took them hastily, with the instrument before named, into the inner apartment, and immediately returned, closing the door. I had only time to observe that one of his magic books was an old Greek Testament.

Amy had suddenly become quite calm, and actually begged pardon of the old man for her haste, promising him a very handsome recompence if he could only prove what he had said. After a little coaxing, he promised on the following day to inform her of the means by which she might satisfy herself of her lover's infidelity.

The following evening, at sunset, found us again at the old man's cottage, when he told Amy that if she would go to a certain dwelling to-morrow evening, at seven o'clock, taking care to conceal herself and observe all closely, she would soon be convinced of the truth of his assertion. She then gave him half a sovereign, and we departed.

It was in vain I endeavoured to persuade Amy from attending at the place mentioned by the old man. I repre-