Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/54

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which a cold vapour issued that nearly extinguished the light; at its entrance Madeline again paused.


"Oh! heavens, (cried she, shuddering and leaning against the wall) whither are we going?"

"Ah! Madeline, (said Madame D'Alembert in a supplicating voice) after going so far will you at last disappoint me? Be not alarmed I again repeat; if you wish to confirm my obligations to you do not hesitate now: your life, your safety, are more precious to me than my own, follow therefore without fear, without hesitation, wherever I may lead."


To do so, however, was scarcely in the power of Madeline, and Madame D'Alembert taking her hand, rather drew than led her through a succession of gloomy vaults till they came to a low arched door, fastened by a bolt: Floretta undrew it, and Madeline, to her infinite horror and amazement, found