Good God! what will become of me? exclaimed Adeline. Aye, Ma'mselle, I am sorry for you; but hear me out. When Jaques said this, I quite forgot myself: I'll never believe it, said I, I'll never believe my master would be guilty of such a base action; he'll not give her up, or I'm no Christian.--Oh! said, Jaques, for that matter, I thought you'd known all, else I should not have said a word about it. However, you may soon satisfy yourself by going to the parlour door, as I have done; they're in consultation about it now, I dare say. You need not repeat any more of this conversation, said Adeline; but tell me the result of what you heard from the parlour. Why, Ma'mselle, when he said this, I took him at his word, and went to the door, where, sure enough, I heard my master and the Marquis talking about you. They said a great deal which I could make nothing of; but, at last, I heard the Marquis say, You know the terms; on these terms only will I consent to bury the past in ob--ob--oblivion----that was the word. Monsieur La Motte then told the Marquis, if he would return to the abbey upon such a night, meaning this very night, Ma'mselle, every thing should be prepared according to his wishes;--Adeline shall then be yours, my Lord, said he--you are already acquainted with her chamber. At these words Adeline clasped her hands, and raised her eyes to heaven in silent despair.--Peter went on. When I heard this, I could not doubt what Jaques had said.--Well, said he, what do you think of it now?--Why, that my master's a rascal, says I.--It's well you don't think mine one too, says he.--Why, as for that matter, says I----Adeline, interrupting him, inquired if he had heard any thing further. Just then, said Peter, we heard Madame La Motte come out from another room, and so we made haste back to the kitchen. She was not present at this conversation then? said Adeline. No, Ma'mselle; but my master has told her of it, I warrant. Adeline was almost as much shocked by this apparent perfidy of Madame La Motte, as by a knowledge of the destruction that threatened her. After musing a few moments in extreme agitation, Peter, said she, you have a good heart, and feel a just indignation at your master's treachery--will you assist me to escape? Ah, Ma'mselle! said he, how can I assist you? besides, where can we go? I have no friends about here, no more than yourself. O! replied Adeline in extreme emotion, we fly from enemies; strangers may prove friends: assist me but to escape from this forest, and you will claim my eternal gratitude; I have no fears beyond it.