"Make yourself quite easy on that score. But now I think of it, write a line to M. Rodolph, who will then no longer be uneasy about you, and will also learn that I am here for a good reason, for if he were to hear that I had committed a robbery, and did not know all the real facts,--thunder! That would not do by any means." "Make your mind easy. I will write this very evening to my unknown protector. Once more, good-bye, and thanks most heartily, my worthy friend." "Good-bye, M. Germain. I must return to those scoundrels, and I'll make them go right; if not, let them look out for squalls!" "When I reflect that it is on my account that you must remain some time longer with these wretches--" "What consequence is that? There is no fear of their turning on me;" and the Chourineur followed the turnkey. Germain went to the governor. What was his surprise to find Rigolette there! pale, agitated, and her eyes bathed in tears; and yet smiling through her tears, her countenance expressing unutterable happiness. "I have good news for you, sir," said the governor to Germain; "justice has declared that no prosecution can be instituted against you; and in consequence of the withdrawing of this, and explanations that have taken place, I have received an order to set you at liberty immediately." "Sir! What do you say? Can it be possible?" Rigolette tried to speak, but her extreme emotion prevented her, and she could only make an affirmative sign to Germain with her head, and clasp her hands. "Mademoiselle arrived a few minutes after I had received the order to set you at liberty," added the governor. "A very powerful letter of recommendation which she brought to me informed me of the touching devotion she had shown to you in prison; and it is with extreme pleasure that I sent for you, certain that you will be very happy to offer your arm to mademoiselle, and lead her hence." "A dream! It must be a dream!" said Germain. "Ah, sir, how can I thank you? Excuse my astonishment,--joy prevents me from thanking you as I ought." "And I, too, M. Germain,--I cannot find a word to say," said Rigolette; "only imagine my delight when I left you on finding the friend of M. Rodolph, who was waiting for me." "Again M. Rodolph!" exclaimed Germain, astonished. "Yes, and M. Murphy said to me, 'Germain is free--here is a letter for the governor of the prison; when you arrive there he will have received the order for Germain's release, and you may take him away with you.' I could not believe what I heard, and yet it was true. Well, as quick as possible, I took a hackney-coach, and came here; it is waiting for us at the gate." We will not attempt to paint the delight of the two lovers when they quitted La Force, and the evening they passed together in Rigolette's small apartment, which Germain quitted at eleven o'clock to go to a humble furnished room. END OF VOLUME V. * * * * * Transcriber's Notes: