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tinguished our followers descending a small hill at no great distance. It was in vain that we urged on our horses: the noise approached nearer with every moment.
"We are lost!" she exclaimed; "the villains gain upon us!"
"On! on!" replied I; "I hear the trampling of horses coming from the town."
We redoubled our exertions, and were soon aware of a numerous band of cavaliers, who came towards us at full speed. They were on the point of passing us.
"Stay! stay!" shrieked Marguerite; "save us! for God's sake, save us!"
The foremost, who seemed to act as guide, immediately reined in his steed.
"'Tis she! 'tis she!" exclaimed he, springing upon the ground: "Stop, my lord, stop! they are safe! 'tis my mother!"
At the same moment Marguerite threw herself from her horse, clasped him in her arms, and covered him with kisses. The other cavaliers stopped at the exclamation.
"The
