Page 790 of 896

"It brought me here, it brought me to my grave. When I was clear

of the house, a black muffler was drawn tightly over my mouth

from behind, and my arms were pinioned. The two brothers crossed

the road from a dark corner, and identified me with a single

gesture. The Marquis took from his pocket the letter I had

written, showed it me, burnt it in the light of a lantern that

was held, and extinguished the ashes with his foot. Not a word

was spoken. I was brought here, I was brought to my living grave.