-waited--and passed on; moving slowly, with
the white cloud of mist behind it and above it--slowly, slowly,
till it glided by the edge of the boat-house, and we saw it no
more.

We were both unnerved by what had passed between us that evening. 
Some minutes elapsed before Laura would venture into the
plantation, and before I could make up my mind to lead her back to
the house.

"Was it a man or a woman?" she asked in a whisper, as we moved at
last into the dark dampness of the outer air.

"I am not certain."

"Which do you think?"

"It looked like a woman."

"I was afraid it was a man in a long cloak."

"It may be a man.  In this dim light it is not possible to be
certain."

"Wait, Marian! I'm frightened--I don't see the path.  Suppose the
figure should follow us?"

"Not at all likely, Laura.  There is really nothing to be alarmed
about.  The shores of the lake are not far from the village, and
they are free to any one to walk on by day or night.  It is only
wonderful we have