第258页 / 共483页

"I paused. This, I thought, was the moment of decision, which was

to rob me of or bestow happiness on me for ever. I struggled

vainly for firmness sufficient to answer him, but the effort

destroyed all my remaining strength; I sank on the chair and

sobbed aloud. At that moment I heard the steps of my younger

protectors. I had not a moment to lose, but seizing the hand of

the old man, I cried, 'Now is the time! Save and protect me! You

and your family are the friends whom I seek. Do not you desert me

in the hour of trial!'

"'Great God!' exclaimed the old man. 'Who are you?'