and with that proud air of superiority she knew so well how to assume.

"Antonio!" said she calmly, "is this madness or intoxication? you were not wont to be thus. You forget the respect, as well as the gratitude you owe me !" This she said in a tone peculiarly emphatic, and with a manner that showed she meant to convey something more than met the ear.

"What!" said Antonio, aside to her in a half under tone, 66 can you really believe me to be so simple as to let slip my darling revenge just as I have grasped it?—No, no, no, I am no such foolso leave your nods and winks.—But let me not hasten my repast-let the feast be protracted, that I may feed slowly on your misery; bitter as will be the reckoning, I will discharge it with pleasure after such a festival of revenge.-Gentlemen," continued he, turning to the company, "I have disclosures to make concerning this Lady,-important disclosures."

"Listen not, gentlemen, I beseech you, to the ravings of this madman," exclaimed Lady Deborah, interrupting him; "let him be carried forth from our presence; there is something extremely

distressing in hearing this poor creature, who has been for some time out of his right mind, raving about I know not what.”

"Gentlemen," said Antonio with a Satanic calmness, even more hellish than his fury or his laugh, "I beg you will listen to me. You already know I am the person who carried off that young lady from Eaglesholme, and who afterwards seized her at York. Both those attempts originated in orders I had from the Lady Deborah Delassaux. In the execution of them, I killed Harrison, and afterwards murdered an unfortunate peasant, for which deeds I know I must die, -But I have much to unfold first-"

"Gentlemen," again interrupted Lady Deborah hastily," I insist upon this impudent ruffian being carried away; I can no longer listen to such ravings. Officers, take him away, I say—”

Sir William Percival evidently laboured under the most distressing embarrassment; but he said gravely," your Ladyship is aware, that I must do my duty as a magistrate; that duty now demands that I go on with the voluntary confessions of this man. But you have your

remedy by retiring to your apartment until it is over."

"Let her not go, let her not go I beseech you, as you value justice!" cried Antonio,"justice ha! ha! ha!-aye justice!-justice to me!-justice to all mankind; she last night attempted to poison me, and she is the murderess of her husband! ! !”

"No!

An exclamation of horror burst from every mouth; but it was perhaps rather horror at the accusation, than at any idea that there could be foundation for it. Lady Deborah remained unshaken. -She reared her head up to more than ordinary height, and with eyes that darted lightnings,— "Go!" said she, in a haughty tone. -Lady Deborah Delassaux shall never flee before the envenomed breath of such a reptile!My noble descent, and my high character, will, I trust, bear me above any suspicions this wretch's testimony may throw upon me.-A vile Italian—a Neapolitan of the lowest cast-his very nation and base quality are enough to forbid his word being credited; and then, a disappointed servant!—a man whose length of services has been more than recompensed, but who even

dared to plot the marriage of his son with her who was by me and all mankind believed to be my niece!-The marriage was actually to have taken place yesterday, but that the cheat was detected and driven forth, together with his villainous father who supported his imposture."

"My boy!" exclaimed Antonio, with an unwonted expression of feeling-“ my boy was the pride of my heart-what would I not have done for him!-Hear me gentlemen!" continued he with vehemence-" hear me, or for ever bid farewell to justice!-There stands an adulteress!-there stands a murderess!-the murderess of her husband!-Thus do I accuse her-I, who now come voluntarily to suffer as the agent of her crimes-"

Lady Deborah arose the blood had altogether forsaken her face-her eyes were haggard— she tottered across the room to where Antonio was standing, stopping for an instant, and looking at him with an expression of the wildest agitation, where anguish was mingled with entreaty. The ruffian glared upon her like a hyæna; his teeth were heard to grind fearfully against each other; and with a devilish laugh,

he called loudly on Sir William to order the officers to secure her.

Lady Deborah fainted away in the arms of her female attendants, and was carried to her own apartment.

A note from Lord Eaglesholme, earnestly entreating a few minutes conference, was now handed to Sir William Percival, who accordingly went to the apartment to which his Lordship had retired.

My friend," said Lord Eaglesholme, as he entered, "what is this I hear? Has then that wretch Antonio, disregarding his own fate, really returned to accuse his mistress ?"

"He has, my Lord, and of a crime so serious that I cannot now refuse it the fullest investigation."

"Good God!" said Lord Eaglesholme, much affected; "then all my efforts to save this unfortunate woman from eternal infamy are vain! I know too well the crime-the dreadful suspicion has long haunted me; how dark and intricate are the steps of Providence! But is there yet no way of saving her from the ignominious disclosure that now hangs over her ?"