entreaty was mingled with the energy that denotes an immutable resolve,
she said:

"I beg that no one will interfere in this matter, or make me unhappy by
endeavoring to persuade me to reconsider my decision. Above all, I
earnestly entreat you to keep my secret."

No one made any response. The wish she had expressed was equivalent to a
command; and as such, deeds of heroism were not uncommon, the one which
she had performed so bravely, and which would cost her her life, was
forgotten in a few moments by her companions in misfortune, who were
naturally absorbed in the question as to when their own turn was to
come.

Dolores passed through the little group that had gathered around her,
each person stepping aside with a grave bow to make way for her, and
rejoined Antoinette and Philip, who knew nothing of what had taken
place. When she appeared before them no trace of emotion was visible
upon her face, and she had concealed the fated paper beneath the fichu
that covered her bosom. She chatted cheerfully with her friends until
the sound of the drum warned the prisoners that they must retire to
their cells. Then, she smilingly extended her hand to Philip.

"Good-night!" she said, simply.

And taking Antoinette's arm in hers, she led her back to the cell they
occupied in common. Antoinette entered first, leaving Dolores alone an
instant in the main corridor. The latter turned and swiftly retraced her
steps. She was seeking Aubry, the jailer. She soon met him. He, too, was
ignorant of all that had occurred.

"Where are you going?" he inquired, in a half-good-natured,
half-grumbling tone.

"I was looking for you," Dolores replied. "I must send a message to
Coursegol this very night."

"I am not sure that I can get permission to leave the prison."

"You must," she eagerly rejoined. "It is absolutely necessary that I see
Coursegol to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. If he comes later, he will
not find me here."

And as Aubry looked at her in astonishment, she added:

"I am to appear to-morrow before the Tribunal."

"You! I hoped they had forgotten you."

"Hush! not a word to any one, above all, to the young girl who shares
my cell. If you have any regard for me, give my message to Coursegol.
You will do a good deed for which you shall be rewarded."

She left the kind-hearted jailer without another word, and hastened back
to the cell where Antoinette was awaiting her.

Dolores passed the night in a profound and p