I gathered myself up; but did not speak.
'Help!' vociferated he. ''Tis the monster—here is the hair! help, help!'
'Hush!' said I, 'or you will betray both of us. I am no monster, but a woman.'
'Wasn't? it you that murdered the milliner?' said he, still trembling.
'No, really,' replied I, 'but now not a word; for I hear people coming.'
As I spoke, several persons entered the room. We lay still. They searched about; and one of them, approaching the chest, tried to lift the lid.
'That is locked this month past,' said the voice of the maid who had hidden the man in it, 'so you need not look there.'
They then searched the remaining garrets; and I heard them say, as they were going down stairs, that I must have jumped out of a window.
'And now, Madam,' said the man, 'will you have the goodness to tell me who you are?'
'A young and innocent maiden,' answered I, 'who, flying from my persecutors, took refuge here.'