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" now, my dearest Lucy, collect yourself, for all depends upon our own resources." Such were the whispered exclamations with which Francesca cheered her trembling companion, whose courage was not heightened by the darkness and stillness around them as they proceeded on their hazardous enterprise.

We have before mentioned that Lawrence Aylmer's dwelling had been in former times a monastery, and abounded in small rooms and long passages, while a large portion was entirely uninhabited. The chamber in which Evelyn was confined was one only employed in drying herbs, and was situated at the end of a long gallery. With this their rooms communicated, though by a back staircase never used.