Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

182 DANGER IN THE DARK.
that most opportune event can better be imagined
than described.
Doning her suit of woe, Mary Glidewell, in high
spirits set out again for the convent, which she reached
in the twilight of the evening, For fear of changing
the mind of Anna Maria, and causing her to distrust
herself, Mary thought it better not to apprise her of
Alonzo's arrival. She found the unhappy girls in
better spirits than usual, and contemplating, with a
degree of enthusiasm, the anticipated visit.
The hour for retiring came; and very soon pro-
found silence reigned throughout the convent. After
a sufficient length of time had elapsed for all to be
composed to sleep, Miss Glidewell observed, in a
whisper:
" I will now go down and take my station by the
front door, and listen for the signal, which is to be
three light raps; I will then unbolt the door, and
learn whether the carriage is in readiness; all being
right, I shall immediately come and notify you."
"Walk lightly," remarked Maria; "the Superior
lodges in a small room not far from the outer door;
be sure that you make no noise to awaken her."
" 'T is well you admonished me of that - I '11tread
very lightly."
With noiseless footfall-light as the stealthy step-
ping of a cat-she proceeded to take her position as
had been agreed upon.
Scarcely had she reached the door, when a heavy
rap resounded upon it from without; this at first