EXCITEMENT

"Let me pass," pleaded a voice I knew: "I ask but five minutes;" and a

familiar shape, tall and grand (as we of the Rue Fossette all thought it), is-

sued from the house, and strode down amongst the beds and walks. It was

sacrilege— the intrusion of a man into that spot, at that hour; but he knew

himself privileged, and perhaps he trusted to the friendly night. He wan-

dered down the alleys, looking on this side and on that— he was lost in the

shrubs, trampling flowers and breaking branches in his search— he pene-

trated at last the "forbidden walk." There I met him, like some ghost, I

suppose.

"Dr. John! it is found."

He did not ask by whom, for with his quick eye he perceived that I held it

in my hand.

"Do not betray her," he said, looking at me as if I were indeed a dragon.

"Were I ever so disposed to treachery, I cannot betray what I do not