Pagina 209 di 1118

This was the concerted signal, which, being heard by Renzo, he,

with Lucy on his arm, crept quietly along the wall, approached

the door, opened it softly, and entered the passage, where the

two brothers were waiting their approach. They all ascended the

stairs on tiptoe; the brothers advanced towards the door of the

chamber; the lovers remained concealed on the landing.

"Deo gratias," said Tony, in a clear voice.

"Tony, eh? come in," replied the voice from within. Tony obeyed,

opening the door just enough to admit himself and brother, one at

a time. The rays of light, which shone unexpectedly through this

opening on the darkness by which Renzo and Lucy were protected,

made the latter tremble as if already discovered. The brothers

entered, and Tony closed the door; the lovers remained motionless

without; the beating of poor Lucy's heart might be heard in the

stillness.