extremity of it, which startled her, and she caught the arm of her companion.
"Her terror, however, was but of short duration; almost instantly the voice of her father reached her ear, and she saw him approaching with extended arms; she sprung forward, and flung herself into them. "Oh! my child (he exclaimed, as he clasped her to his heart), in what a situation do I behold you!"
"My father, my dearest father (cried Madeline), do not let us complain of our situation; Oh! rather let us express our gratitude to that Being who has alleviated it, by giving us a friend who will extricate us from this abode of terror and of death;—but the moments are precious; we should lose no time."
"They are precious indeed (said the old woman); that door (pointing to one in the recess), opens upon a flight of steps which ascend to the court; here is the key of it," continued she, presenting it to St. Julian.
