"What! my trusty and well-behaved brother and colleague growing scrupulous?" said Sarah, sarcastically. "This will never do; suppose my modes of action are odious,--so be it. I trample on all and every thing that interferes with my designs,--agreed. I do--I shall, till I have secured my purpose. But let me ask you, Who thought of scruples when my destruction was aimed at? Who thought of me or my feelings, let me ask you? How have I been treated?" "Say no more, sister,--say no more,--here is my hand, and you may safely reckon upon my firm participation in all that concerns you, even to writing the letter to M. d'Harville. But still I say, and repeat, such conduct is horrible!" "Never mind sermonising, but say, do you consent fully and entirely to what I wish you, or do you not? Ay, or nay?" "Since it must be so, M. d'Harville shall this night be fully instructed as to all his wife's proceedings,--but--what is that? I fancied I heard some one on the other side of this thicket,--there was a rustling of leaves and branches," said Seyton, interrupting himself, and speaking to Sarah in a low and suppressed voice. "For heaven's sake," cried Sarah, uneasily, "don't stop to talk about it, but quick! and examine the other side of this place!" Seyton rose,--made the tour of the clump of trees,--but saw no one. Rodolph had just disappeared by the side door, of which we have before spoken. "I must have made a mistake," said Seyton, returning; "there is no appearance of any persons but ourselves being in this place." "I thought there could not possibly be."