The
shrieks of the women were heart-rending, as they all fled,
precipitately, into the blue dining-room; and, crouching in
corners, or flying distractedly about - true to their sex - made
the air resound with the most lamentable cries. Some five or
six, braver than the rest, alone remained; and more than one of
these actually mixed in the affray, with a heroism worthy a
better cause. Miranda, still sitting erect, and supported in the
arms of a kneeling and trembling sylph in white, watched the
conflict with terribly-exultant eyes, that blazed brighter and
brighter with the lurid fire of vengeful joy st every robber that
fell.
"Oh, that I were strong enough to wield a sword!" was her fierce
aspiration every instant; "if I could only mix in that battle for
five minutes, I could die with a happy heart!"
Had she been able to wield a sword for five minutes, according to
her wish, she would probably have wielded it from beginning to
end of the battle; for it did not last much longer than that.
The robbers fought with fury and ferocity; but they had been
taken by surprise, and were overpowered by numbers, and obliged
to yield.
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