Dourlinski appeared exceedingly astonished at this information; I could discover some symptoms of fear in his countenance. At length, looking at his confident, who seemed equally embarrassed with himself, he proceeded: “You say that Pulaski will come here soon?”---“Yes, my lord, in about a fortnight, or a little later.” On this he again turned to his attendant; but in a short time affecting as much calmness as he had before discovered embarrassment; “Return to your master,” added he; “I am sorry to have nothing but bad news to communicate to him--------tell him that Lodoiska is no longer here.” I myself became surprised in my turn at this information. “What! my lord, Lodoiska--------” “Is not longer here, I tell you!--------To oblige Pulaski, whom I esteem, I undertook, although with great repugnance, the talk of confining his daughter in my castle: nobody but myself and he (pointing to his confident) knew that she was here. It is about a month since we went, as usual, to carry her provisions for the day, but there was nobody in the apartment. I am ignorant how it happened; but what I know well is, that she has escaped, for I have heard nothing of her since.---She must undoubtedly have gone to join Lovsinski at Warsaw, if perchance the Tartars have not intercepted her in her journey.” My astonishment on this became extreme. How could I reconcile that which I had seen in the garden, with that which Dourlinski now told me? There was some mystery in this business, which I became exceedingly impatient to be acquainted with: I was however extremely careful not to exhibit any appearance of doubt. “My lord,” said I, “this is bad news for my master!”--------“Undoubtedly, but it is not my fault.” “My lord, I have a favour to ask of you.” “Let me hear it.”------“The Tartars are ravaging the neighbourhood of your castle--they attacked us------we escaped as it were by a miracle. Will you permit my brother and myself to remain here only for the space of two days?” “For two days only I give my consent.” “Where do they lodge?” says he to his attendant. “In an apartment below ground,” was the reply. “Which overlooks my gardens?” rejoins Dourlinski, interrupting him with great agitation. “The shutters are well fastened,” adds the other. “No matter--------You must put them elsewhere.” These words made me tremble. “It is not possible, but,”------continues the confident, and then whispered the rest of the sentence in his ear. “Right,” says the Baron; “and let it be done instantly.” Then, addressing himself to me, “know that your brother and you must depart the day after to-morrow: before you go, you shall see me again, and I will give you a letter for Pulaski.”