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 "Alone?—I dare not."

"You must," continued Ratcliffe; "I will remain here and wait for you."

"You will not then stir from this place," said Miss Vere; "yet the distance is so great, you could not hear me were I to cry for assistance."

"Fear nothing," said her guide; "or observe, at least, the utmost caution in stifling every expression of timidity. Remember that his predominant and most harassing apprehension arises from a consciousness of the hideousness of his appearance. Your path lies straight beside yon half fallen willow; keep the left side of it; the marsh lies on the right. Farewell for a time. Remember the evil you are threatened with, and let it overcome at once your fears and scruples."

"Mr Ratcliffe," said Isabella, "Farewell; if you have deceived one so unfortunate as myself, you have forfeited the fair character for probity and honour to which I have trusted."