A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 147: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

MADAME LA DUCHESSE DE BASSOMPIERRE. 143 any, as you think they will do, penetrate into this house, they will credit my denial and search no further.” Raoul raised the hand he held to his lips and some- thing suspiciously like a tear dropped upon it. _“ Be of comfort, monsieur,” said the duchess, softly. “I pledge my word, my sacred word, that, whatever be- tide, you shall leave this house in safety. I swear it!” And she stretched out her hand toward the white crucifix, which glimmered ghost-like through the gloom. Raoul drew the hangings about him, and his benefac- tress turned away. Nota moment too soon! Already there was a hurried Knocking at the door, which in another second was thrown open, and several of the Provost’s Guard, led by Count Lemours, Sergeant Goujon, and Griffo, entered tumultuously. But they halted in confusion and uncovered their heads, as the light of their torches fell upon the duch- ess, who stood confronting them, her figure drawn to its full height and her whole attitude haughty and commanding. , “What means this intrusion?” she demanded, coldly. “Ah! you are the Count Lemours, I believe. Tell me by what right this drunken rabble have dared to cross the threshold of my house? Be sure, monsieur, my son will exact a strict account from him whose boldness. may have counselled this intrusion.” Lemours advanced a little, the deepest respect, sym: pathy, and sorrow depicted on every lineament of his countenance. “ Madame la Duchesse,” he said, falteringly, “it is on the duke’s account alone that—that——” “Speak on, monsieur,” broke in the duchess, im- _ patiently. Comicbooks (c@)