“No, no, not to-day, sire! Adieu! adieu!” she said, as she stooped down once more to embrace her lover — and escaped. Montalais was, in fact, waiting for her, very pale and agitated.

“Quick, quick! he is coming,” she said.

“Who — who is coming?”

“Raoul,” murmured Montalais.

“It is I — I,” said a joyous voice, upon the last steps of the grand staircase.

La Valliere uttered a terrible shriek and threw herself back.

“I am here, dear Louise,” said Raoul, running towards her. “I knew but too well that you had not ceased to love me.”