Edith arose, and passing her arm under that of her husband, they quitted the ball-room, but in place of descending the principal staircase, they took a more private course. The hall, which they were obliged to cross, and which they entered from a side-door, was spacious and beautifully proportioned, and adorned with numerous statues on pedestals. The ceiling was decorated with fresco paintings, and supported by two stately scagliola pillars. From between these, a broad staircase of white marble ascended to the upper room. As Auriol had foreseen, the staircase was thronged with guests ascending to the ball-room, the doors of which being open, afforded glimpses of the dancers, and gave forth strains of liveliest music. Anxious to avoid a newly-arrived party in the hall, Auriol and his bride lingered for a moment near a pillar. "Ha! who is this?" cried Edith, as a tall man, with a sinister countenance, and habited entirely in black, moved from the farther side of the pillar, and planted himself in their path, with his back partly towards them. A thrill of apprehension passed through Auriol's frame. He looked up and beheld Rougemont, who, glancing over his shoulder, fixed his malignant gaze upon him. Retreat was now impossible. "You thought to delude me," said Rougemont, in a deep whisper, audible only to Auriol; "but you counted without your host. I am come to claim my victim." "What is the matter with you, that you tremble so, dear Auriol?" cried Edith. "Who is this strange person?" But her husband returned no answer. Terror had taken away his power of utterance. "Your carriage waits for you at the door, madam--all is prepared," said Rougemont, advancing towards her, and taking her hand. "You are coming, Auriol?" cried Edith, who scarcely knew whether to draw back or go forward. "Yes--yes," cried Auriol, who fancied he saw a means of escape. "This is my friend, Mr. Rougemont--go with him." "Mr. Rougemont!" cried Edith. "You told my father he would not be here." "Your husband did not invite me, madam," said Rougemont, with sarcastic emphasis; "but knowing I should be welcome, I came unasked. But let us avoid those persons."