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 from their lady's room repaired to the one allotted for them.

Madeline returned to the parlour, hoping that her father would explain whatever appeared mysterious to her, but she was disappointed; for he instantly said that he must wish her good-night, as he was extremely fatigued. Madeline could not help believing this was a pretext to avoid entering into conversation, and with involuntary dejection she received his adieu, and retired to her little chamber. Here she sat a long time pondering over all that had passed, and wondering why such profound secrecy should be observed to her: wearied at last with conjectures, she repaired to bed, but her mind was too much disturbed to let her rest as quietly as usual. About the middle of the night she was startled by a noise from below stairs; trembling she sat up in the bed to listen more distinctly; and in the next moment heard a soft tap at the door of the room adjoining hers, in which the Countess slept;