While her mind was running over all the
passing acquaintances she had ever made, and endeavoring among them to put
the personage before her, he continued to scan her countenance with a
steady gaze, as if to read her thoughts, which divining, he continued:
"I perceive you do not remember me, though we have met before. My memory
is not so treacherous; and, beside, your looks made a lasting impression on
my mind, an impression that time can never efface or obliterate; and to
this impression you are indebted for my present visit--an unceremonious
one, I must confess."
At this point of his discourse Ellen made a movement as if to retrace her
steps homeward, seeing which, he went on:
"Do not be impatient, fair maiden, or in haste to go, for I have that to
tell thee which is of the utmost importance both to thy present and future
welfare."
This adoption of the familiar and solemn style of address, had the effect
rather to increase than diminish the tremors about the girl's heart; yet
she silently awaited his words:
"I am come to warn thee that great, very great and imminent danger is
hanging, impended but by a thread, over thy head."
This blunt and unexpected announcement caused Ellen to start with a
shudder, and sent the blood still more forcibly upon her heart, which
labored, for a moment, under the load, and then beat so loud she was afraid
the stranger would hear it.
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