`` Are you sure you know the way ? '' `` Quite sure . I have lived here by the week together . Do you fear to trust me ? '' `` No ; but it is so dark , and everything is so strange to me . Can we get down safely ? I see nothing but a black pit . '' And Amy still hesitated , with an odd mixture of fear and coquetry . `` I brought you up in safety ; shall I take you down again ? '' asked the stranger , with a smile flickering over his face . Amy felt rather than saw it , and assuming an air of dignified displeasure , motioned him to proceed , which he did for three steps ; then Amy slipped , and gladly caught at the arm extended to save her . Without a word he took her hand and led her back through the labyrinth she had threaded in her bewilderment . A dim light filled the place , but with unerring steps her guide went on till they emerged into the courtyard . Major Erskine 's voice was audible , giving directions to the keeper , and Helen 's figure visible as she groped among the shadows of the ruined chapel for her cousin . `` There are my friends . Now I am safe . Come and let them thank you , '' cried Amy , in her frank , childlike warmth of manner . `` I want no thanks -- forgive me -- adieu , '' and hastily kissing the little hand that had lain so confidingly in his , the stranger was gone . Amy rushed at once to Helen , and when the lost lamb had been welcomed , chidden , and exulted over , they drove home , listening to the very brief account which Amy gave of her adventure . `` Naughty little gad-about , how could you go and terrify me so , wandering in vaults with mysterious strangers , like the Countess of Rudolstadt .
You are as wet and dirty as if you had been digging a well , yet you look as if you liked it , '' said Helen , as she led XXXXX into their room at the hotel .
Amy Erskine Helen Rudolstadt chidden coquetry flickering gad-about home keeper