the
woods, forced into deeper shade under the glare of the lamps from the
encampment. She now reflected with some alarm that the forest commenced at this
point, stretching away (as she had been told) in some directions upwards of
fifty miles; and that, if the post occupied by their encampment should be
inaccessible on this side to cavalry, it might, however, happen that persons
with the worst designs could easily penetrate on foot from the concealments of
the forest, - in which case she herself, and the splendid booty of her carriage,
might be the first and easiest prey. Even at this moment, the very worst of
those atrocious wretches whom the times had produced might be lurking in
concealment, with their eyes fastened upon the weak or exposed parts of the
encampment, and waiting until midnight should have buried the majority of their
wearied party into the profoundest repose, in order then to make a combined and
murderous attack. Under the advantages of sudden surprise and darkness, together
with the knowledge which they would not fail to possess of every road and bypath
in the woods, it could scarcely be doubted that they might strike a very
effectual blow at the Vienna caravan, which had else so nearly completed their
journey without loss or memorable privations; - and the knowledge which
Holkerstein possessed of the short limits within which his opportunities were
now circumscribed would doubtless prompt him to some bold and energetic effort.
    Thoughts unwelcome as these Paulina found leisure to pursue, for the ruffian
landlord had disappeared almost at the same moment when she first caught a
glimpse of him. In the deep silence which succeeded, she could not wean herself
from the painful fascination of imagining the very worst possibilities to which
their present situation was liable. She imaged to herself the horrors of a
camisade, as she had often heard it described; she saw, in apprehension, the
savage band of confederate butchers, issuing from the profound solitudes of the
forest, in white shirts drawn over their armour; she seemed to read the
murderous features, lighted up by the gleam of lamps - the stealthy step, and
the sudden gleam of sabres; then the yell of assault, the scream of agony, the
camp floating with blood; the fury, the vengeance, the pursuit; - all these
circumstances of scenes at that time too familiar to Germany passed rapidly
before her mind.
    But after some time, as the tranquillity continued, her nervous irritation
gave way to less agitating but profound sensibilities. Whither was her lover
withdrawn from her knowledge? and why? and for how long a time? What an age it
seemed since she had last