Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 2).djvu/91

 "Madeline started up, and walked with hasty steps halfway down the aisle; she then paused—paused from the most horrible suggestions of fear. "Should the murderers return—(cried she, gasping for breath at the very idea)—should they return before assistance can be procured, and complete their dreadful design; or should they be still lurking about the chapel, will they not seize me as I go for that assistance, and sacrifice me to their own safety!"

In an agony of fear—an agony which took from her all emotion, she leaned against a pillar;—a deep groan from the Countess in a few minutes roused her from this situation. "Oh heavens! (she exclaimed, rushing forward) she expires through my means. (She instantly quitted the chapel)—If I die, (said she, as she did so) I die in the cause of friendship." A cold dew hung upon her temples, and she could scarcely drag her trembling limbs after her; every yard, almost, she involuntarily stopped to listen, and to cast her fearful eyes around: ready at the first