I did not wait to get another look, but ran fast down the steep steps to the pier and along by the fish-market to the bridge, which was the only way to reach the East Cliff. The town seemed dead, for not a soul did I see. I was pleased about that, for I wanted no witness of poor Lucy's problems. The time and distance seemed endless, and my knees trembled and my breath was laboured as I ran up the endless steps to the abbey. I must have gone fast, and yet it seemed to me as if my feet were as heavy as lead, and as though every joint in my body were rusty.

When I got almost to the top I could see the seat and the white figure, because I was now close enough to see it even when the clouds hid the moon. There was undoubtedly something, long and black, bending over her. I called in fright, "Lucy! Lucy!" and something raised a head, and I saw a white face and red, gleaming eyes. Lucy did not answer, and I ran on to the entrance of the churchyard. As I entered, the church was between me and the seat, and for a minute or so I lost sight of Lucy. When the cloud had passed and the moonlight was brilliantly bright, I could see Lucy again. Her head was lying over the back of the seat.