followed her up stairs. The cloth was
spreading in the chamber where I was, and Marguerite soon gave me to
understand that I was in her way. Her hints were too broad to be
easily mistaken; I therefore desired one of the young Men to conduct me
to the chamber where I was to sleep, and where I could remain till
supper was ready.

'Which chamber is it, Mother?' said Robert.

'The One with green hangings,' She replied; 'I have just been at the
trouble of getting it ready, and have put fresh sheets upon the Bed; If
the Gentleman chooses to lollop and lounge upon it, He may make it
again himself for me.'

'You are out of humour, Mother, but that is no novelty. Have the
goodness to follow me, Monsieur.'

He opened the door, and advanced towards a narrow staircase.

'You have got no light!' said Marguerite; 'Is it your own neck or the
Gentleman's that you have a mind to break?'

She crossed by me, and put a candle into Robert's hand, having received
which, He began to ascend the staircase. Jacques was employed in
laying the cloth, and his back was turned towards me.

Marguerite seized the moment, when we were unobserved. She caught my
hand, and pressed it strongly.

'Look at the Sheets!' said She as She passed me, and immediately
resumed her former occupation.

Startled by the abruptness of her action, I remained as if petrified.
Robert's voice, desiring me to follow him, recalled me to myself. I
ascended the staircase. My conductor ushered me into a chamber, where
an excellent wood-fire was blazing upon the hearth. He placed the
light upon the Table, enquired whether I had any further commands, and
on my replying in the negative, He left me to myself. You may be
certain that the moment when I found myself alone was that on which I
complied with Marguerite's injunction. I took the candle, hastily
approached the Bed, and turned down the Coverture. What was my
astonishment, my horror, at finding the sheets crimsoned with blood!

At that moment a thousand confused ideas passed before my imagination.
The Robbers who infested the Wood, Marguerite's exclamation respecting
her Children, the arms and appearance of the two young Men, and the
various Anecdotes which I had heard related, respecting the secret
correspondence which frequently exists between Banditti and
Postillions, all these circumstances flashed upon my mind, and inspired
me with doubt and apprehension. I ruminated on the most probable means
of as