Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/25

This page needs to be proofread.

she feared desiring the men to do so, lest it should excite suspicion."

"I own (cried Madeline, in a faint voice, with a face as pale as death) I own I would rather have continued in my own room; but if you or Floretta will have the goodness to pass the night in this with me, I shall not feel quite so reluctant to it."

"As to my staying with you, Mademoiselle, (exclaimed Floretta, instantly going to the door) that is utterly impossible; I have a thousand things to do, which Agatha, if she pleases can tell you of."


So saying she hastily unlocked the door, and departed without ceremony.


"For my part, (said Agatha, as soon as she had again secured it) I would stay with you with all my heart, but that I fear if I did I should be missed (as some of the maids rooms open into mine) and if I was, your being in the castle must be discovered, which I know would distress my lady exceedingly."