Quite in the chimney-corner, and seated upon a stool so low that her chin was brought in close proximity to her knees, was a hard-featured gaunt woman of sixty, dressed in widows weeds of a very homely kind, but scrupulously clean. The muslin kerchief and cap she wore were white as snow, and her grey hair was tidily smoothed back. But, in spite of her neat look, there was something repulsive about the womans face a look of low cunning that played about her thin lips, which were drawn in at the corners, while she had a habit of bringing her thick grey eyebrows down over her eyes so as almost to conceal them, though, as you looked at her, you felt that she was scrutinising you severely from behind the shaggy grey fringe, and judging you from a hidden point of view.
She rose from her seat as Mistress Anne entered, and welcomed her with a smile, half defiant, half fawning.
Im so glad to see thee again, dearie, she said, in a harsh voice. What can I do for thee now?
I dont know, cried the visitor, sharply; but look here, Mother Goodhugh, mind this: my father is a justice, and if you play foul games with me I have only to complain to have you seized and punished as a witch.
Me a witch, dearie? Oh, fie! I never pretended to be, only helped you to a little of my knowledge when you came to me.
I believe your knowledge is all nonsense, cried the girl, angrily. What good has it done?
Ah, it is impossible to say, replied the woman, looking furtively at her visitor; and you may not have given him the potion at a lucky time. I know it was right, my dear, she added, in a low, mysterious whisper. I gathered the herbs myself, and distilled them every one. You dont know: you
cant tell. He may love you very dearly, and only be holding back from fear of your high place. Was not your father made a titled man just then?
Yes, replied the visitor. Then that was it, cried the woman, triumphantly. Depend upon it, mistress, you have him safe.
But he is always with her always, Mother Goodhugh; and when we meet he has only a contemptuous kind of laugh for me.
That means nothing, dearie. It may be only the mans spirit fighting against his heart. I cant think, lovey, but what you have him safe. How many times has he had the drink?
Nine.
And nine drops each time?
Yes, as nearly as I could drop them. My hand shook so.
Ah, cried the woman, eagerly, what did I tell thee? Nine drops nine times dropped make eighty-one, and eight and one are nine.
Yes, said Anne Beckley.
Did I not warn thee that any mistake would spoil the spell?
Yes, but that could not matter.
Ah, that is not for me to say, replied the woman. But there, sit ye down, dearie, and Ill do what I can for you. If it wasnt that you love him Id say to you let him go on in his terrifying ways, and wed her if he will. She belongs to an accursed race, and would bring him never good.
But she shant marry him! cried Anne, with flashing eyes. I hate her, Mother Goodhugh, and would sooner see her dead. Shes a witch. Im sure shes a witch.
And why are you sure, lovey?
Because because she bewitches men to her, and holds them by her side. I have tried, oh, so hard, but I cannot.
Nay, child, nay, but you can, though not so strongly; for you do it by good, while she does it by ill.
But I cant, Mother Goodhugh, cried the girl, petulantly.
Ah, but you do, said the woman, who began to walk up and down the brick floor, muttering and talking as if to herself. She must, she must, for she is very beautiful and good. She has but to wish it over the nine drops to win the hearts of as many lovers as her heart desires.
But, Mother Goodhugh, whispered Anne, whose heart was open enough to a little insidious flattery, I did try so hard, and it seemed to do no good; and now a great officer has come to the Moat, and he had to go down to the Pool-house.
Yes, yes, I know, I know, said Mother Goodhugh, and she has witched him, too. Yes; she sits with him and reads to him, and smiles softly in his face, and shell win him to her ways, no doubt. But you dont care for that, child. Let her win him, and it will settle the love, and leave brave, stout Captain Gil for you.
But I do care, mother; I wont have it I cant bear it. She does all this to spite me, and it drives me nearly mad. You must give me something that shall bring him back. Oh, pray, pray, help me.
Nay, nay, child, you threatened me just now, and talked of your father, and punishing me as a witch. Ah, ah! I didnt deserve it.
That was only because I was peevish and fretful, Mother Goodhugh, cried the girl appealingly; for it is so hard to find both the men of your heart go to her straight, and leave you behind as a thing of naught.
Both the men both? cried Mother Goodhugh, with a hoarse chuckle, Go to, go to, wicked girl; will not one suffice?
Oh, yes, yes, Id give up Captain Gil, mother, but I cannot bear to see this new one go over to her too. You must help me you shall.
Heyday, my dearie, what can I do? And besides, you laugh at my potions. I am not a witch, child, only a wise woman, who works hard to find out what herbs gathered at vital times can do. But I know nothing at all nothing at all. Try something mixed by good Dame Beckley, thy mother; she can distil you something, Ill warrant ye.