“We shall be found dead in the morning,” cried Celestine; “et pour quelle a venture, mon Dieu, pour quelle aventure!” The possibility that her fears suggested, and the increasing severity of the storm for now the thunder rolled overhead, and the very ground seemed to shake with the reverberation served to alarm Lady Hester, and for the first time she became frightened at their situation. “We could scarcely find our way back, Celestine!” said she, rather in the tone of one asking for comfort than putting a question. “Impossible, miladi.” “And Gregoire says that these houses are all uninhabited.” “Quelle aventure!” sobbed the maid. “What can have become of him? It is more than an hour now! What was that, Ce'lestine? was it lightning? there, don't you see it yonder, towards the end of the street? I declare it is Gregoire; I see the lantern.” A cry of joy burst from both together, for already hope had begun to wane, and a crowd of fearful anticipations had taken its place. Lady Hester tried to call his name, but the clattering noise of the storm drowned the weak effort. The light, however, came nearer at each instant, and there was no longer any doubt of their rescue, when suddenly it turned and disappeared at an angle of the street. Lady Hester uttered a piercing cry, and at the instant the lantern was again seen, showing that the bearer had heard the sounds. “Here, Gregoire, we are here!” exclaimed she, in her loudest voice, and speaking in English. Whoever carried the lantern seemed for a moment uncertain how to act, for there was no reply, nor any change of position for a few seconds, when at length the light was seen approaching where Lady Hester stood. “I think I heard an English voice,” said one whose accents proclaimed her to be a woman. “Oh yes!” cried Lady Hester, passionately, “I am English. We have lost our way. Our courier went back to the inn for a lantern, and has never returned, and we are almost dead with cold and terror. Can you guide us to the Hotel de Russie?” “The house I live in is only a few yards off. It is better you should take shelter there for the present.” “Take care, miladi!” whispered Celestine, eagerly. “This may be a plot to rob and murder us.” “Have no fears on that score, mademoiselle,” said the unknown, laughing, and speaking in French; “we are not very rich, but as surely we are perfectly safe company.” Few as these words were, there was in their utterance that indescribable tone of good breeding and ease which at once reassured Lady Hester, who now replied to her unseen acquaintance with the observance due to an equal, and willingly accepted the arm she offered for guidance and support. “At the end of this little street, scarcely two minutes' walking, and you will be there,” said the unknown.