sions we would fain intrust him with for our poor widows."
I pledged my word for the exact fulfilment of their desires; and when they had made known their wishes, I renewed the assurance of their being strictly performed.
Raoul. "I was quite sure that you would not refuse us."
Court. "Ah, M. Jules, how can we hope to repay your kindness?"
Raoul. "If what our ghostly friend here asserts be true, we shall meet in another and a better world."
Myself. "I trust so; and sooner perhaps than we at present think for."
Court. "Ah, 'tis a journey that must be taken sooner or later. We are upon the eve of our departure."
Raoul. "M. Jules, is your watch correct?"
Myself. "I believe it is too fast." (I drew it from my pocket.)
Raoul. "Let us see—twelve o'clock."
Court. "The hour for our execution; heavens! how the time gallops on!"
Raoul. "Look, the large hand is just about to overtake the small one! We shall never be weary of talking with you, M. Jules, but still we must part;—here, take these prattlers, we have no further need of them." (The prattlers were the books I have before described.)
Court. "And these two crucifixes, take them also; they will at least serve to remind you of us."
A noise of carriages was heard, the two culprits turned pale.
Raoul. "It is a wise plan to repent of our sins, but what if I determine to die game?—No; let me not turn bravado as many have done, but meet my fate with the courage of a man, and the resignation of a sinner."
Court. "Well said, my friend, let us be firm, yet contrite."
The executioner arrived at the moment for ascending the fatal cart, and the sufferers bade me adieu.
