Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/295

 the night? Shouldst thou not recollect, that she must be long since asleep, and that I would not for the world disturb her rest, which, at her time of life, is so needful?"

"On the contrary," said the man from below, "I know very well that at this moment your lady has only just now laid aside the manuscript of her new romance, on which she labors night and day; and that she is employed in writing some verses, which, at to-morrow's levee, she intends reading to the Marquise de Maintenon. In short, I am certain that she is still awake, and I implore of you, Martiniere, have compassion, and open the door, for, mark you! on this interview depends the rescue of an unfortunate man from utter destruction. His honor, liberty, and life are at stake, and must be forever lost, if he cannot speak with your mistress directly. Reflect, too, that the noble lady would never forgive you if she learned that by your obstinacy an unhappy being was sent from her door, who in his distress came to beg assistance."

"But for what reason," said Martiniere, "would you appeal to my lady's compassion at this dead hour of the night? Come back to-morrow at a proper time, and we shall then see what maybe done." "How?" said the stranger; "will misfortune, then, which strikes us, poor mortals, with the unexpected rapidity of lightning, be regulated by hours and minutes? Even, if in one moment the possibility of rescue may be lost, should, then, assistance be delayed because it happens to be mid-night, instead of mid-day? Open the door, and fear nothing from un pauvre miserable, who now, forsaken by the world, and overwhelmed by his cruel destiny, would implore your lady's protection from the dangers that threaten him?" Martiniere perceived that the man's voice faltered at these words,—that he even moaned and sobbed; moreover, his tones were those of a mere youth. Her heart became at last so far softened, that without further reflection she ran for the keys.

No sooner had she opened the door, than the strange figure,