least expected perhaps the mystery should be explained.—"
She paused, for at this moment she heard the trampling of horses feet—she looked towards the window and saw a man alighting at the gate, whom she immediately recollected to have seen at Montmorenci Castle.
"'Tis a messenger from the Marquis," cried Madeline, sinking back in her chair. Her father started up, and rushed from the room; he met the man at the entrance of the cottage, and Madeline heard them talking together for a few minutes, they then repaired to the study, the door of which was directly bolted, and Madeline remained two hours by herself in a situation that can be better conceived than described—her father then returned to the parlour pale, trembling, disordered;—he entered it, he spoke not to Madeline—he seemed to have no power to speak—but he put an open letter into her hand. With an agitation that shook her whole
