of St. Agnes, streamed a few weak rays from a taper
or a lamp, indicating the trouble of a sick-bed, or the peace of prayer. But
these rare lights did but deepen the massy darkness of all beside; and Paulina,
with her attendant, had much difficulty in making her way to the appointed
station. Having reached the wall, however, they pursued its windings, certain of
meeting no important obstacles, until they attained a part where their progress
was impeded by frequent dilapidations. Here they halted, and in low tones
communicated their doubts about the precise locality of the station indicated in
the letter, when suddenly a man started up from the ground, and greeted them
with the words, »St. Agnes! all is right,« which had been preconcerted as the
signal in the letter. This man was courteous and respectful in his manner of
speaking, and had nothing of the ruffian voice which belonged to the bearer of
the letter. In rapid terms he assured Paulina that »the Young General« had not
found circumstances favourable for venturing within the walls, but that he would
meet her a few miles beyond the city gates; and that at present they had no time
to lose. Saying this, he unshaded a dark lantern, which showed them a ladder of
ropes, attached to the summit of a wall, which at this point was too low to
occasion them much uneasiness or difficulty in ascending. But Paulina insisted
previously on hearing something more circumstantial of the manner and style of
their escape from the city walls, and in what company their journey would be
performed. The man had already done something to conciliate Paulina's confidence
by the propriety of his address, which indicated a superior education, and
habits of intercourse with people of rank. He explained as much of the plan as
seemed necessary for the immediate occasion. A convoy of arms and military
stores was leaving the city for the post at Falkenstein. Several carriages,
containing privileged persons, to whom the Landgrave or his minister had granted
a licence, were taking the benefit of an escort over the forest; and a bribe in
the proper quarter had easily obtained permission, from the officer on duty at
the gates, to suffer an additional carriage to pass as one in a great lady's
suite, on the simple condition that it should contain none but females; as
persons of that sex were liable to no suspicion of being fugitives from the
wrath which was now supposed ready to descend upon the conspirators against the
Landgrave.
    This explanation reconciled Paulina to the scheme. She felt cheered by the
prospect of