fortune would not suffice. I gave not a
thought to it. I felt certain it would be impossible.

Far different was the resolve that was already forming itself in my
mind, and cheering me with new hopes. Forming itself, do I say? It had
already taken a definite shape, even before the echoes of the salesman's
voice had died upon my ears! With the clink of his hammer my mind was
made up. The purpose was formed; it was only the _plan_ that remained
indefinite.

I had resolved to outrage the laws--to become thief or robber, whichever
it might please circumstances to make me. I had resolved to _steal my
betrothed_!

Disgrace there might be--danger I knew there was, not only to my
liberty, but my life. I cared but little about the disgrace; I recked
not of the danger. My purpose was fixed--my determination taken.

Brief had been the mental process that conducted me to this
determination--the more brief that the thought had passed through my
mind before--the more brief that I believed there was positively no
other means I could adopt. It was the only course of action left me--
either that, or yield up all that I loved without a struggle--and,
passion-led as I was, I was not going to yield. Certain disgrace,--even
death itself, appeared more welcome than this alternative.

I had formed not yet the shadow of a plan. That, must be thought of
afterwards; but even at that moment was action required. My poor heart
was on the rack; I could not bear the thought that a single night should
pass and she under the same roof with that hideous man!

Wherever she should pass the night, I was determined that I should not
be far-distant from her. Walls might separate us, but she should know I
was near. Just that much of a plan _had_ I thought of.

Stepping to a retired spot, I took out my note-book, and wrote upon one
of its leaves:

"_Ce soir viendrai_!--Edouard."

I had no time to be more particular, for I feared every moment she would
be hurried out of my sight. I tore out the leaf; and, hastily folding
it, returned to the entrance of the Rotundo.

Just as I got back to the door a hackney-carriage drove up, and halted
in front. I conjectured its use, and lost no time in providing another
from a stand close by. This done, I returned within the hall. I was
yet in time. As I entered, I saw Aurore being led away from the
rostrum.

I pressed into the crowd, and stood in such a position that she would
have to pass