This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ... to go and get a light, and when she was gone out, I went and bolted the door behind her. But this was quite useless, for the unknown entered by the window. I know not how he got in--whether, from the upper gallery, he had the audacity to venture down by my window-shutters; or whether, by the help of a ladder, he got up from below--the fact is, that he entered as quietly as though he came in from the street. Anger gave me strength, and I sprang to my children's cradle, screaming for help. But he knelt down in the middle of the floor, saying to me in a gentle voice, " How is it possible for you to be afraid of a man who would gladly prove his devotion by dying for you 1 "--"I know not who you are, monsieur," I replied in a trembling voice; " but, assuredly, you are very insolent to enter my chamber thus. Go, go and let me never see you again, or I will inform my husband of your conduct."--" No," said he, comingnearer to me, "you will not do it: you will pity a man who is in despair " At this moment I saw the bracelet, and it occurred to me to demand of him to give it back to me. I did so in a tone of authority, declaring to him that I had supposed I was throwing it to my husband. "I am ready to obey you in everything," said he, with a resigned air; "take it back, but know that you take from me the sole happiness, the sole hope of my life." Then he knelt down again close beside me, and held out his arm to me. I did not dare to take the bracelet myself: I must have touched his hand, or at least his dress, and I did not think it proper to do so. Then he seemed to think that I hesitated, for he said to me, " You pity me, you consent to leave it with me: is it not so 1 O my dear Fernande "--and he seized my hand, which he kissed several times...