صفحة 611 من 1118

"Do not stifle so good an inspiration," pursued Lucy, on seeing

hesitation in the countenance of her persecutor. "If you do not

grant me mercy, the Lord will; he will send death to relieve me,

and all will be over. But you-one day, perhaps, you also-but no,

no-I will pray the Lord to preserve you from evil. What would it

cost you to say one word? If ever you experience these

torments--"

"Well, well, take courage," said the Unknown, with a gentleness

that astonished the old woman. "Have I done you any harm? Have I

menaced you?"

"Oh, no. I see that you have a good heart, and that you pity a

poor creature. If you chose, you could alarm me more than any of

them, you could make me die with fear; and on the contrary, you

have-you have given me some consolation. God reward you!

Accomplish the work you have begun; save me, save me."

"To-morrow morning."

"Oh, save me now, now!"