It seems, however that I was in error; but do not let these villains rejoice too soon; they will reap but a scanty harvest.

There is one asylum left for me where they cannot molest me." "Ah, madame!" exclaimed the doctor in imploring accents; but she paid no attention to his remonstrances, and went on with increasing violence,-- "Do the miserable wretches think that I fear death?
For years I have prayed for it as a final mercy from the heaven I have so deeply offended.

I long for the quiet of the sepulchre.

You are surprised at hearing one like me speak in this way,--one who has all her life been admired and flattered,--I, Diana de Laurebourg, Countess de Mussidan.
Even in the hours of my greatest triumphs my soul shuddered at the thought of the grim spectre hidden away in the past; and I wished that death would come and relieve my sufferings.

My eccentricities have often surprised my friends, who asked if sometimes I were not a little mad.
Mad?
Yes, I am mad! They do not know that I seek oblivion in excitement, and that I dare not be alone.