Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/93

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In a voice of agony she now conjured him to tell her what they had to fear, declaring that no certainty almost of danger could be more dreadful than the suspense she at present endured.


"Since you must know, Mademoiselle, (said he) we have nothing more to fear than being robbed and murdered!"

"Good heaven! (exclaimed Madeline) do you think the men we just beheld are murderers?"

"Yes," replied Lubin, ruefully shaking his head.

"What reason have you for so horrible a suspicion?" asked Madeline.

"Why you must know, Mademoiselle, I had not proceeded far down the dark passage 'ere I heard a noise, which sounded to me like the clattering of arms. A sudden panic instantly seized me, and I had a great mind to return directly and lead you from the castle: this, however, was but the thought of