"We are not far from something, my lady!" he said. "It makes one
think of what He said who carries the light everywhere--that there
is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid that
shall not be known. Shall we leave it for the present?"
"Anything but that!" said Arctura with a shiver; "--anything but an
unknown terrible something!"
"But what can you do with it?"
"Let the daylight in upon it."
Her colour returned as she spoke, and a look of determination came
into her eyes.
"You will not be afraid to be left then when I go down?"
"I am cowardly enough to be afraid, but not cowardly enough to let
you go alone. I will share with you. I shall not be afraid--not
much--not too much, I mean--if I am with you."
Donal hesitated.
"See!" she went on, "I am going to light a candle, and ask you to
come down with me--if down it be: it may be up!"
"I am ready, my lady," said Donal.
She lighted the candle.
"Had we not better lock the door, my lady?"
"That might set them wondering," she answered. "We should have to
lock both the doors of this room, or else both the passage-doors!
The better way will be to pull the press after us when we are behind
it."
"You are right, my lady. Please take some matches with you."
"To be sure."
"You will carry the candle, please. I must have my hands free. Try
to let the light shine past me as much as you can, that I may see
where I am going.
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