Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 3).djvu/64

 the building; down this she determined to fly.

At the head of the staircase which faced the body of the chapel was a large dismantled window, through which the moon, now beginning to rise, shed a faint light, but still sufficient to render objects conspicuous. Madeline therefore feared she should be seen as she crossed the staircase, she knew however there was no alternative, and that she must either run the risque of being discovered now, or remain where in a few minutes later she was sure of being so.

Madeline accordingly stepped forward, but though her step was too light to be heard, her figure was perceived, and she instantly heard a shout from the chapel, and ascending steps. Fear lent her wings, she flew to the gallery, but, just as she was darting into it, a large iron hook entangled her clothes: with a strength which desperation only could have given her, she attempted to tear them from