I
hurried at length from the fatal spot, and, directed by the lantern
which he bore, ascended the hill.
Pale and breathless, it was with difficulty I could support myself.
He anxiously inquired into the cause of my affright and the motive
of my unusual absence. He had returned from my brother's at a late
hour, and was informed by Judith that I had walked out before
sunset and had not yet returned. This intelligence was somewhat
alarming. He waited some time; but, my absence continuing, he had
set out in search of me. He had explored the neighborhood with the
utmost care, but, receiving no tidings of me, he was preparing to
acquaint my brother with this circumstance, when he recollected the
summer-house on the bank, and conceived it possible that some
accident had detained me there. He again inquired into the cause
of this detention, and of that confusion and dismay which my looks
testified.
I told him that I had strolled hither in the afternoon, that sleep
had overtaken me as I sat, and that I had awakened a few minutes
before his arrival. I could tell him no more.
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