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 one hand a gold wand, and in the other a black book studded with stars—"Count de Nevers—Seur de Joinville," said she, addressing them in a solemn tone, "I charge you to assist me in defending from the attacks of an abandoned monster, France—Charles de Valois—and Adelaide de Dammartin!"—"Heavens!" exclaimed the Count, drawing his sword; "Adelaide, my Prince, and the State! Dispose of this sword and my life." The lady, smiling, said,—"That sword was never dipped in infamous blood; a perfidious assassin, a cowardly dastard, in the dead of the night, means to fall upon innocent doves; but he must be prevented." She then informed them, that the twelfth hour of the ninth day of the moon was at hand; at that hour precisely, the King of Navarre would resort to a dreadful place, where he was desirous of invoking departed spirits, to interrogate them on future events. The lady concluded, by asking the two friends if they would have the courage to be witnesses of the humiliation and confession of the vile King of Navarre. They bowed. Opening then on ebony press, inlaid with gold, ivory, and mother-of-pearl, she told them they would find there two suits of armour, which she desired them to put on; and, after bidding them make haste, left the saloon.

The two friends, with equal agitation, put on the armour. The lady returned, followed by the Negress, who carried two shining helmets, shaded with black and carnation feathers, which she put on the table that stood before the canopy. The lady then lifting off a carpet of cloth and gold, displayed a casket of ebony, which was upon the table; and opening it, took out a vial filled with a clear red liquor. She then took successively the two helmets, and poured into each a few drops of the red liquor which was in the vial: the