57 MEANS FOR CLASSICAL TRAGEDY.
After a moment of silence employed by Milady in observing the young man who listened to her, Milady continued her recital.
"It was nearly three days since I had eaten or drunk anything.

I suffered frightful torments.

At times there passed before me clouds which pressed my brow, which veiled my eyes; this was delirium.
"When the evening came I was so weak that every time I fainted I thanked God, for I thought I was about to die.
"In the midst of one of these swoons I heard the door open.

Terror recalled me to myself.
"He entered the apartment followed by a man in a mask.

He was masked likewise; but I knew his step, I knew his voice, I knew him by that imposing bearing which hell has bestowed upon his person for the curse of humanity.
"'Well,' said he to me, 'have you made your mind up to take the oath I requested of you ?' "'You have said Puritans have but one word.