“Dear madam, let me come in, I have a great deal to say,” said the poor girl.
“The door is locked,” answered the lady.
“Yes, ma’am, but do pray open it.”
“The Signor has the key,” said Madame Montoni.
“O blessed Virgin! what will become of us?” exclaimed Annette.
“Assist us to escape,” said her mistress. “Where is Ludovico?”
“Below in the hall, ma’am, amongst them all, fighting with the best of them!”
“Fighting! Who are fighting?” cried Madame Montoni.
“Why the Signor, ma’am, and all the Signors, and a great many more.”
“Is any person much hurt?” said Emily, in a tremulous voice. “Hurt! Yes, ma’amselle,—there they lie bleeding, and the swords are clashing, and—O holy saints! Do let me in, ma’am, they are coming this way—I shall be murdered!”
“Fly!” cried Emily, “fly! we cannot op
