The foremost, who seemed to act as guide, immediately reined in his steed.

“ ’Tis she! ’Tis she!” exclaimed he, springing upon the ground; “Stop, my lord, stop! They are safe! ’Tis my mother!”

At the same moment Marguerite threw herself from her horse, clasped him in her arms, and covered him with kisses. The other cavaliers stopped at the exclamation.

“The Baroness Lindenberg?” cried another of the strangers eagerly; “Where is she? Is she not with you?”

He stopped on beholding her lying senseless in my arms. Hastily he caught her from me. The profound sleep in which she was plunged made him at first tremble for her life; but the beating of her heart soon reassured him.

“God be thanked!” said he; “She has escaped unhurt.”