“I must, perforce,” replied Nowell:  “the contest is too unequal.”

“You may retire, then,” she cried to the double.  And stepping backwards, the figure lifted up the tapestry, and disappeared behind it.

“I can breathe, now that infernal being is gone,” cried Nowell, sinking into the chair.  “Oh! madam, you have indeed terrible power.”

“You will do well not to brave it again,” she rejoined.  “Shall I summon Master Potts to prepare the conveyance?”

“Oh! no—­no!” cried Nowell.  “I do not desire the land.  I will not have it.  I shall pay too dearly for it.  Only let me get out of this horrible place?”

“Not so quickly, sir,” rejoined Mistress Nutter.  “Before you go hence, I must bind you to the performance of my injunctions.  Pronounce these words after me,—­’May I become subject to the Fiend if I fail in my promise.’”

“I will never utter them!” cried Nowell, shuddering.

“Then I shall recall your double,” said the lady.

“Hold, hold!” exclaimed Nowell.  “Let me know what you require of me.”

“I require absolute silence on your part, as to all you have seen and heard here, and cessation of hostility towards me and the persons I have already named,” replied Mistress Nutter; “and I require a declaration from you, in the presence of the two Asshetons, that you are fully satisfied of the justice of my claims in respect to the land; and that, mortified by your defeat, you have brought a false charge against me, which you now sincerely regret.  This I require from you; and you must ratify the promise by the abjuration I have proposed.  ’May I become subject to the Fiend if I fail in my promise.’”

The magistrate repeated the words after her.  As he finished, mocking laughter, apparently resounding from below, smote his ears.

“Enough!” cried Mistress Nutter, triumphantly; “and now take good heed that you swerve not in the slightest degree from your word, or you are for ever lost.”

Again the mocking laughter was heard, and Nowell would have rushed forth, if Mistress Nutter had not withheld him.

“Stay!” she cried, “I have not done with you yet!  My witnesses must hear your declaration.  Remember!”

And placing her finger upon her lips, in token of silence, she stepped backwards, drew aside the tapestry, and, opening the door, called to the two Asshetons, both of whom instantly came to her, and were not a little surprised to learn that all differences had been adjusted, and that Roger Nowell acknowledged himself entirely in error, retracting all the charges he had brought against her; while, on her part, she was fully satisfied with his explanations and apologies, and promised not to entertain any feelings of resentment towards him.

“You have made up the matter, indeed,” cried Nicholas, “and, as Master Roger Nowell is a widower, perhaps a match may come of it.  Such an arrangement”—­