'these are diamonds, by st.peter!' exclaimed the fellow, who had been examining the miniature, 'and here is a very pretty picture too, 'faith; as handsome a young chevalier, as you would wish to see by a summer's sun.lady, this is your spouse, i warrant, for it is the spark, that was in your company just now.'
blanche, sinking with terror, conjured him to have pity on her, and, delivering him her purse, promised to say nothing of what had passed, if he would suffer her to return to her friends.
he smiled ironically, and was going to reply, when his attention was called off by a distant noise; and, while he listened, he grasped the arm of blanche more firmly, as if he feared she would escape from him, and she again shrieked for help.
the approaching sounds called the ruffians from the other part of the chamber.'we are betrayed,' said they; 'but let us listen a moment, perhaps it is only our comrades come in from the mountains, and if so, our work is sure; listen!'
a distant discharge of shot confirmed this supposition for a moment, but, in the next, the former sounds drawing nearer, the clashing of swords, mingled with the voices of loud contention and with heavy groans, were distinguished in the avenue leading to the chamber.
while the ruffians prepared their arms, they heard themselves called by some of their comrades afar off, and then a shrill horn was sounded without the fortress, a signal, it appeared, they too well understood; for three of them, leaving the lady blanche to the care of the fourth, instantly rushed from the chamber.