Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/40

 part of the castle, and opens into a private place behind the kitchen; the other end goes through to the end of the wood, I believe, for I never had courage to go so far on, but this morning, when I went down the passage, and came round, I found both doors forced off their hinges below, and was much afraid to come up, where I found you, madam: who it is that has been so wicked, I can only guess, and Lord have mercy on the poor lady, I fear no good will come to her." "But how come the garden door open; could they convey her through that into the road?" "Yes, (replied Joseph) that was the way, for after you went up stairs I went into the garden, and the great gate, at the end, was unbolted just at the end of the wood, and I do suppose they had horses waiting there, or a carriage. The few jewels my poor lady had is taken from her little chest, but there are no locks broke on the drawers, and her pockets are left behind, on a stool, with every thing in them; 'twas no robbers, my lady, I fear." "I fear so too, (answered Matilda, with a deep sigh;) I dread that she is fallen into worse hands—" "Into worse than I fear has got her, (said Joseph) she cannot be fallen—Lord, how I rejoiced she had got your ladyship with her." "Aye, Joseph, (resumed Matilda) I grieve for her and feel my own loss;—Do you know her sister the Marchioness?" "I saw her once after my lady was married; they say she is very happy—God help us, 'twas n't so here." "Your lady has wrote to the Marchioness relative to me; did not you take a letter yesterday?" "Yes, my lady, and if there be any answer to it I shall be sure to have it, and you may open it, you know, because the good lady never wrote to any one else." Poor Matilda knew not what to do; she was desirous of staying till this answer arrived. She was anxious to explore those apartments that were locked, and after some hesistationhesitation [sic] asked Joseph if he would meet her there, to-morrow morning. "Aye,