From her childhood she had heard stories of the terrible beings that lived in the forests and were hidden under the banks of the rivers , and could only be kept off by powerful charms . Could the voice which had bewitched Alonzo have come from one of these ? Perhaps , who knows , it might be the voice of the dreaded Yara herself , who sought young men on the eve of their marriage as her prey . For a moment the girl sat choked with fear , as these thoughts rushed through her ; then she said : ` Alonzo , will you promise something ? ' ` What is that ? ' asked he . ` It is something that has to do with our future happiness . ' ` Oh ! it is serious , then ? Well , of course I promise . Now tell me ! ' ' I want you to promise , ' she answered , lowering her voice to a whisper , ` never to bathe in those pools again . ' ` But why not , queen of my soul ; have I not gone there always , and nothing has harmed me , flower of my heart ? ' ` No ; but perhaps something will . If you will not promise I shall go mad with fright . Promise me . ' ` Why , what is the matter ? You look so pale ! Tell me why you are so frightened ? ' ` Did you not hear the song ? '
she XXXXX , trembling .
Did asked come harmed heard look lowering promise said tell