At the time he uttered this, she almost believed it to be designed for the purpose of prevailing with her to throw herself into his protection, and she still thought it might be chiefly so accounted for; but his assertions had left an impression on her mind, which a consideration of the character and former conduct of Montoni did not contribute to efface.

She, however, checked her propensity to anticipate evil; and, determined to enjoy this respite from actual misfortune, tried to dismiss thought, took her instruments for drawing, and placed herself at a window, to select into a landscape some features of the scenery without.
As she was thus employed, she saw, walking on the rampart below, the men, who had so lately arrived at the castle.

The sight of strangers surprised her, but still more, of strangers such as these.

There was a singularity in their dress, and a certain fierceness in their air, that fixed all her attention.

She withdrew from the casement, while they passed, but soon returned to observe them further.