Page:German Stories (Volumes 1–2).djvu/28

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6
Introduction.
6

by the tones of a soft and plaintive voice. "Martiniére," said the stranger, "I know very well that it is you, however you may try to disguise your accents. I know, too, that Baptiste has gone into the country, and that you are alone in the house with your lady. Be not afraid, but open the door for me. You have nothing to apprehend; but I must absolutely speak with Mademoiselle de Scuderi, and this without a moment's delay."

"What art thou thinking of?" answered Martiniére angrily; "thou wouldst speak with my lady, forsooth, in the middle of the night? Shouldst thou not recollect, that she must be long since asleep, and that I would not for the world disturb her rest, which, at her time of life, is so needful?"

"On the contrary," said the man from below, "I know very well that, at this moment, your lady has only just know laid aside the manuscript of her new romance, on which she labours night and day; and that she is employed in writing some verses, which, at to-morrow's levée, she intends reading to the Marquise de Maintenon. In short, I am certain that she is still awake, and I implore of you, Martiniére, have compassion and

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