rudence in these counsels, and I gave way to them. A few
minutes would decide; and we both crouched close, and watched the
movements of the Quadroon.

The apartment in which she was attracted our notice. It was not the
drawing-room of the house, nor yet a bedroom. It was a sort of library
or studio--as shelves filled with books, and a table, covered with
papers and writing-materials, testified. It was, no doubt, the office
of the avocat, in which he was accustomed to do his writing.

Why was Aurore in that room? Such a question occurred to us; but we had
little time to dwell upon it. My companion suggested that as they had
just arrived, she may have been placed there while an apartment was
being prepared for her. The voices of servants overhead, and the noise
of furniture being moved over the floor, was what led him to make this
suggestion; it was just as if a room was being set in order.

This led me into a new train of reflection. She might be suddenly
removed from the library, and taken up-stairs. It would then be more
difficult to communicate with her. It would be better to make the
attempt at once.

Contrary to the wish of D'Hauteville, I was about to advance forward to
the window, when the movements of Aurore herself caused me to hesitate.

The door through which Gayarre had just made his exit was visible from
where we stood. I saw the Quadroon approach this with silent tread, as
if meditating some design. Placing her hand upon the key, she turned it
in the lock, so that the door was thus bolted inside. With what design
had she doing this?

It occurred to us that she was about to make her escape out by the
window, and that she had fastened the door for the purpose of delaying
pursuit. If so, it would be better for us to remain quiet, and leave
her to complete the design. It would be time enough to warn her of our
presence when she should reach the window. This was D'Hauteville's
advice.

In one corner of the room stood a large mahogany desk, and over its head
was ranged a screen of box-shelves--of the kind known as "pigeon-holes."
These were filled with papers and parchments--no doubt, wills, deeds,
and other documents relating to the business of the lawyer.

To my astonishment I saw the Quadroon, as soon as she had secured the
door, hastily approach this desk, and stand directly in front of it--her
eyes eagerly bent upon the shelves, as though she was in search of some
document!

Such w