"But how shall we escape from the court?" demanded Madeline.
"Your father will be able with ease to unbar the door; and as Madame Fleury always sits at the back of the house, there is no danger of your being discovered."
"Oh! let us be quick," exclaimed Madeline.
St. Julian advanced to the door; but scarcely had he attempted to open it, when a violent tumult was heard without the court, and immediately after the steps of many people entering it. He paused—listened—and looked at his daughter. Horror almost froze her blood—"They are come (cried she), the ministers of death are come."
"I fear so (said the old woman). Hark! they have entered the house, and are now ranging through the apartments!"
"Is there no hope—is there no way of escaping?" asked Madeline distractedly.
"None (replied the old woman mournfully), but through the court."
