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48 consider myself in having to address a friend in you. We desire to see your prisoner, and a stranger might have refused even that slight request; but I can rely on your good-nature." So saying, she attempted to pass.

"No, no, young lady," exclaimed the sentinel, standing immovable before the door. "I honour your father and his daughter too much to let you in on any such errand. What but the exchange of some vain love-token can lead you to seek the presence of that gay and noble cavalier? I know the ready falsehood of such, where one so fair as yourself is the object. Maiden, I will not aid you to lay up sorrow for the future."

Lucy shrunk back, utterly abashed by this unexpected repulse. Involuntarily she held out the purse which had been destined as a bribe, but the words which would have proffered its contents died on her lips. Francesca, too, remained silent for a moment; but Evelyn's life was at stake, and she roused herself. "It is for me," said she, advancing, and throwing up her veil, "that Lucy Aylmer desires admission to Mr. Evelyn; she is but my companion, for I desire not an unwitnessed interview. But I do implore you, as you hope for mercy at your extremest need, to let us pass. I do not talk of recompense, though I