Fortunately, JOSEPHINE'S door was unlocked; though--I had not time to speak of it at the moment, not but that the thought struck me at the very instant--though how a young woman could go to bed without double-locking her door I couldn't understand, although on second thoughts perhaps she had left it open for me--and JOSEPHINE fast asleep. Fast! in fact, as I said, anybody--that is, any robber--might have come in and stripped everything, and she been none the wiser. At last, by nudging and shaking I woke her.
"Murder!" she half-cried; but I put my hand before her mouth.
"Silence! you foolish creature! You needn't cry out so! It's only"--
"La!" said the girl; "I was dreaming; and you did a little startle me. I thought it was true."
"Now, JOSEPHINE! what is it? I mean about your master"--
"It wasn't him I was dreaming on, Ma'am," cried the creature.
"I should think not, indeed," said I. "Dream of your master! Like your impudence! But what I want to know is--all, all you know."
"La! Ma'am!" cried the stupid girl, rubbing her eyes, and yawning frightfully.
"I mean that note you left on my dressing-table!"
"Oh!" she exclaimed, as though at last she was thoroughly awake. "Oh, ma'am, be sure you don't let master get up. Put your arms round his neck, if you almost choke him--but don't let him get up."
"He's going to fight; with pistols. One of--that is, I've been told all about it; but not time enough to tell you. Master would have fought yesterday, only it was Sunday, so he went to church instead. MR. TRUEPENNY has come, like a friend, all the way from London, to see fair play; but don't you let him get up, Ma'am, pray don't"--
"Don't know exactly, Ma'am; but that doesn't matter. One may be as bad as another. But you're sure master's safe, for he was to go out early, as I heard?"
"I've locked the door; and he shall not stir. If he attempts it, I'll raise the house!" said I.
"Do, Ma'am," cried JOSEPHINE, "and I'll help you."
I returned to my apartment with new resolution. I unlocked the door; crept into the room, and without looking again locked it; taking out the key, and hugging it close. I stept softly towards the bed. FREDERICK was not there! I looked round--the sash was raised. He had escaped through the window.
