the reality of the alarm, and was dropping again to
sleep, when once more the riding-whip sent the
startling summons, and leaping from his bed, he threw
open the window, and putting his head out, gruffly
demanded, who was there.

"Claude Montigny," was answered from beneath.

"And what wants Claude Montigny at this hour?"
asked the advocate, who now perceived the figures
of steed and dismounted rider beneath him in the
obscurity.

"Dress instantly, and quick come down," was the
reply. The window closed, and in a few minutes the
advocate, with his morning gown thrown over him,
opened the door.

"Why how is this?" he demanded in astonishment,
as he beheld Claude on the footwalk, whip in one hand,
and with the other holding his horse by the bridle.

Claude stood silent.

"How is this?" reiterated the advocate: "Out
with it, man. Is your father wild? does he threaten
to disinherit you?"

"Not that, but worse:" Claude answered; "worse
than your worst suspicions, and it may be worse than
the death of one you much regard."

"Has any thing evil happened to my ward?" asked
the advocate, exhibiting alarm. "Why do you pause?
Inform me quickly."

"Too quickly, perhaps, I shall inform you," replied
Claude, deprecatingly. "Something evil has happened
to your ward. Arm yourself now with firmness, and
be calm; be cool in judgment, prompt in execution;
you who can counsel others, now prepare to be the
best counsellor to yourself."

[[90]]

p089 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p090w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p091

v?