at once the temper of my mind. It was Juliet herself; pale and trembling

she stood, a lamp in her hand, on the threshold of the dungeon, looking at

me with wistful countenance. But in a moment she re-assumed her

self-possession; and her languid eyes recovered their brilliancy. She said,

I am come to save you, Verney."

And yourself also," I cried: "dearest friend, can we indeed be saved?"

Not a word," she replied, "follow me!"

I obeyed instantly. We threaded with light steps many corridors, ascended

several flights of stairs, and passed through long galleries; at the end of

one she unlocked a low portal; a rush of wind extinguished our lamp; but,

in lieu of it, we had the blessed moon-beams and the open face of heaven.

Then first Juliet spoke:--"You are safe," she said, "God bless you!--

farewell!"

I seized her reluctant hand--"Dear friend," I cried, "misguided victim,

do you not intend to escape with me? Have you not risked all in

facilitating my flight? and do you think, that I will permit you to return,

and suffer alone the effects of that miscreant's rage? Never!"

"Do not fear for me," replied the lovely girl mournfully, "and do not

imagine that without the consent of our chief you could be without these

walls. It is he that has saved you; he assigned to me the part of leading

you hither, because I am best acquainted with your motives for coming here,

515

The Last Man