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"Certainly," replied the old woman. Taking a basket from the

hands of Martha, she placed it on the table, and closed the door.

She invited Lucy to taste the delicious food, bestowing on it

profuse praises, and on the wine too, which was such as the

signor himself drank with his friends; but seeing that they were

useless she said, "It is your own fault, you must not forget to

tell him that I asked you. I will eat, however, and leave enough

for you, if you should come to your senses." When her supper was

finished she approached Lucy again, and renewed her

solicitations.

"No, no, I wish nothing," replied she, in a faint and exhausted

voice. "Is the door shut?" she exclaimed, with momentary energy;

"is it well secured?"

The old woman approached the door, and showed her that it was

firmly bolted. "You see," said she, "it is well fastened. Are you

satisfied now?"

"Oh! satisfied! satisfied! in this place!" said Lucy, sinking

into her corner. "But God knows that I am here."