Major Wellmore took the weapon, and appeared for a moment to consider
whether he should retain it or not: he decided on the former, and in a
cold, calm voice commanded his prisoner to move forward. De Guerre
pointed to Constantia, who had neither shrieked nor fainted, but stood a
mute statue of despair in the clear light of the young spring moon,
whose early and resplendent beams fell in a silver shower on her bared
and beautiful head.
"I will take care of Mistress Cecil," said the insidious Burrell.
As he spoke, Lady Frances, who, alarmed at the absence of her friend,
had come forth to seek her, bounded into the Fairy Ring, and as suddenly
screamed, and stood irresolute amid the dread circle. The Major
immediately spoke:-"Lady Frances, pray conduct your friend: Sir Willmott Burrell, we follow
you to the nearest entrance."
"And now," said Constantia, as her head fell on the bosom of her friend,
"he is in the lion's den--fully and for ever destroyed!" Nature was
exhausted: it was long ere she again spoke.