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Rh of the still greater anguish, the storm ready to break over her head, the volcano to burst from beneath her feet.

On the third day after the visit made to De Brooke by his wife, one person only appeared to interupt the sameness of his prison, but whose visit was not to him. A stranger advancing, accosted the Marquis in the familiar accents of a friend. "I have no doubt," said he, "my dear Marquis, that every day passed here in this vile place has seemed to you an age, but however you may have languished, I have now to announce to you that you are free; your liberation has been effected, and you have therefore only to follow me, the coach being in waiting to conduct us away. On your road home, I shall tell you how this good fortune has been brought about: your friends have been active in your service, and have all contributed to bail you; come, therefore, and let us begone hence;" so saying, he hastily took him by the arm, and began to lead him along.

Joy of heart then resumed its native ascendancy over the Marquis's irregular but pleasing features; nevertheless, turning a look of kind commiseration upon De Brooke, and stepping nimbly towards him, he made him an offer of his services, directing at the same time his hand to his heart in token of