“I am ready to go.”
And, calling one of the Misses Lavarande, she told her,—
“Come, Aunt Elizabeth, be quick. Take your hat and your shawl. I am going out, and you are going with me.”
The prisoner counted so fully upon the promptness of his betrothed, that he had already gone down into the parlor when she arrived at the prison, quite out of breath from having walked so fast. He took her hands, and, pressing them to his lips, he said,—
“Oh, my darling! how shall I ever thank you for your sublime fidelity in my misfortune? If I escape, my whole life will not suffice to prove my gratitude.”
But he tried to master his emotion, and turning to Aunt Elizabeth, he said,—
“Will you pardon me if I beg you to render me once more the service you have done me before? It is all important that no one should hear what I am going to say to Dionysia. I know I am watched.”
Accustomed to passive obedience, the good lady left the room without daring to make the slightest remark, and went to keep watch in the passage. Dionysia was very much surprised; but Jacques did not give her time to utter a word. He said at once,—
“You told me in this very place, that, if I wished to escape, Blangin would furnish me the means, did you not?”
The young girl drew back, and stammered with an air of utter bewilderment,—