صفحة 629 من 1118

What shall I say to him? Why, why, that which--I will hear what

he will say to me."

Having come to this vague determination, he threw over his

shoulders a military cloak, put his pistol and dagger in his

girdle, and took from the wall, where it hung, a carabine almost

as famous as himself; thus accoutred, he proceeded to Lucy's

chamber, and leaving his carabine at the door, he knocked and

demanded admittance. The old woman hastened to open the door; he

entered, and looking around the room saw Lucy tranquil and silent

in the corner of it.

"Does she sleep?" asked he in a low voice. "Why did you suffer

her to sleep there? Were these my orders?"

"I did all I could; but she would neither eat nor come--"