第205页 / 共1118页

"Hear me; I will come, or not, as I choose; I have received I

can't tell how much money, and I have come to balance the small

account that you know of. I have here twenty-five fine new

pieces; but if he cannot see me,-well-I know how and where to

spend them."

"Wait, wait. I will speak to you in a moment. But why come at

this hour?"

"If you can change the hour, I am willing; as for me, I am here,

and, if you don't want me to stay, I'll go away."

"No, no, wait a moment; I will give you an answer." So saying,

she closed the window. As soon as she disappeared, Agnes

separated herself from the lovers, saying to Lucy, in a low

voice, "Courage, it is but a moment." She then entered into

conversation with Tony at the door, that Perpetua, on opening it,

might suppose she had been accidentally passing by, and that Tony

had detained her.

CHAPTER VIII.