SEQUEL TO THE PRECEDING.
All this scene had passed before Maurice like a fantastic vision. Leaning upon the handle of his sword, which he had never quitted, he saw his friends precipitated one after another into that gulf which never yields back its victims; and this fatal sight so affected him that he asked himself why he, the companion of these unfortunates, should still cling to the brink of the precipice, and not surrender himself to the giddiness which was dragging him with them.
In leaping the balustrade Lorin saw the dark and sneering features of Dixmer.
When, as we have said, he had placed himself near Geneviève, she whispered in his ear.
"Mon Dieu!" said she, "do you know that Maurice is here?"
"Where?"
"Do not look round directly; one look might prove his ruin."
"Calm yourself."
"Behind us, near the door. What a trial for him if we are condemned!"
Lorin regarded the young woman with tender sympathy.