Page:The Enchantress.pdf/42

38 a moment in fastening the coils of the rope to the balcony.

"Robber!" shouted he; but the hand which sought his sword was arrested by Lolah's light touch on his arm.

"Be still, for your sweet life's sake," said she, in an earnest whisper, that fixed his attention at once; "yonder faithful creature has risked his for your's; we must fly, or to-morrow dawns for you in the dungeons of the Inquisition; all is ready for flight, only come."

Leoni turned still paler; then rallying with the high courage of his race, exclaimed, "Who dares accuse me? and what is my crime?"

"That matters not," said Stefano; "My brother gave me the hint; you fly to-night or are a prisoner in the morning. In the name of the good St. Rosalie, don't stand talking; you have lost time enough already; we have settled every thing while waiting for you;—as if any good Christian ever kept such hours!" but these last words were muttered in an under-tone.

"Come, my husband, there will be opportunity enough for explanation; fling this cloak round you, and follow me," said the Countess, stepping onwards.

"Never, Lolah," rejoined Montefiore, startled by the danger, which a conscious feeling in his own heart foreboded was true; "never shall you be exposed to the hardship and danger of such a flight, for me, so worthless, so neglectful!" But she was already at the foot of the ladder.