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 vinced, if the Marquis knew you were but accessary to the death of Lord Philippe, he would punish you with the most implacable vengeance. For my part, I think you more to be pitied than condemned; and that those who instigated you to the destruction of your brother, alone merit punishment.'

"Did you ever (asked I), discover any clue to unravel the horrid mysteries which involved me in guilt?"

'I once (cried Lafroy), had an opportunity of doing so, but, alas! I lost it.'

"Lost it! (repeated I); explain yourself."

'About seven years ago (resumed he), as I was attending the Marquis to a seat of his near Paris, at a post-house, to which I rode before the carriage for the purpose of securing horses, my eyes encountered that villain Claude: I instantly seized him by the arm, and, dragging him into a room, bolted the door—'Accursed wretch! (cried I), the long delayed punishment of heaven has at length overtaken you; the Marquis of Montmorenci approaches, and into his hands I shall