Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 2).djvu/130

 "Yet what Mam'selle says seems just enough (said Floretta); for why should the good, who need no preparation for death, be warned of it as well as those whose bad actions render it necessary they should, in order to have them brought to repentance."

"Well (replied Agatha), I have not a doubt but what they come to both?"

"What a dreadful thing it must be, to have a troubled conscience, when one is near dying," resumed Floretta.

"Ay, or at any other time either (exclaimed Agatha); many a foul deed has it forced people to reveal."

"There is a memorable story told about that (said Floretta), in the part of Burgundy I come from."

"Well, tell it (cried Agatha); it will help to pass away the time."

"There stood, about fifty years ago (began Floretta, drawing her chair closer to her companion's), near the village where I was born, an old mansion, which had for many years been uninhabited, for its owner, being