No conceivable means of removing her from this valley where carriages cannot penetrate; nothing was henceforth possible to save her honor; I must only think of her life.

I scaled rapidly the steps leading to my cell, and I seated her on a chair in front of the chimney in which I hastily kindled a fire; then I woke up my hosts.

I gave to the miller's wife a vague and confused explanation.

I know not how much of it she understood; but she is a woman, she took pity and went on bestowing upon Madame de Palme such care as was in her power.

Her husband started at once on horseback, carrying to Madame de Malouet the following note from me: "MADAM:--She is here, dying.