Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 2).djvu/31

 "If you think they would have that effect upon me, pray don't tell them at present, (said Madeline, ) for I want to make haste to the chateau."

"Indeed I don't intend to do so, (cried Floretta, ) the very telling them would frighten me, and I am sure I am sufficiently terrified already."

"Why did you not get some one to accompany you," asked Madeline.

"A likely thing indeed, that any one would accompany me in the dark to such places; not but I tried, I can assure you. The butler was the first I asked; but no truly, he was getting his knives and spoons ready for supper. Then I entreated Mr. Jacques, the coachman, but he was just going to visit the horses; and as to the footmen, I know I might as well try to bring the pillars of the hall along with me. I tried the maids also, but one was going to settle the chambers, and another wanted to help the cook to get supper ready; and another—but in short they had all some frivolous excuse or other."