"
Grown tired of ringing, they knocked loudly on the door. The sound of a
voice reached the drawing-room, and the word "law" was plainly heard.
"No more hope!" murmured Noel.
"Don't despair," cried Juliette; "try the servants' staircase!"
"You may be sure they have not forgotten it."
Juliette went to see, and returned dejected and terrified. She bad
distinguished heavy foot-steps on the landing, made by some one
endeavouring to walk softly.
"There must be some way of escape!" she cried fiercely.
"Yes," replied Noel, "one way. I have given my word. They are picking
the lock. Fasten all the doors, and let them break them down; it will
give me time."
Juliette and Charlotte ran to carry out his directions. Then Noel,
leaning against the mantel piece, seized his revolver and pointed it at
his breast.
But Juliette, who had returned, perceiving the movement, threw herself
upon her lover, but so violently that the revolver turned aside and
went off. The shot took effect, the bullet entering Noel's stomach. He
uttered a frightful cry.
Juliette had made his death a terrible punishment; she had prolonged his
agony.
He staggered, but remained standing, supporting himself by the mantel
piece, while the blood flowed copiously from his wound.
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