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 passed two tedious hours ere Lafroy appeared. He then knocked gently at the door, which she eagerly opened, and as eagerly enquired about her father.

"He has begun his journey (said Lafroy); I readily procured the assistance of my friend, who will be his companion some part of the way."

"And can your friend really be depended on?" asked Madeline.

"I can as safely answer for his fidelity as my own (replied Lafroy); and mine I hope you do not doubt."

"No (cried Madeline), if I did, I should be completely wretched. Oh! Lafroy (she continued), how I dread to-morrow; I tremble to think of the interrogations of the Marquis; as long as it is possible to do so, postpone the delivery of the letter."

"You may be assured I shall not deliver it till there is an absolute necessity for doing so (he replied), and then I shall pretend I found it in the chamber of the Count."