’’The world, doubtless, will blame me; they will believe every charge, scout every palliative plea.  For a season, I must endure its frown, and resign my will to drink the bitter cup of scorn and contumely; for I have gone astray, I have sinned against the judgment of my fellow-mortals; and yet, oh! it were so easy to gain sympathy, were I to disclose the secrets of the inner dungeons of my prison-house—­that spot which poets sing as blessed—­Home!  O man, man! there is no place like home, but how readily may it be turned into a hell—­for—­a wife!’

’I was still weak—­nervous; and her words breathed such tones of bitter anguish, and her whole frame evinced such tokens of emotion, that in spite of all that I had overheard, tears welled up to my eyelids, and compassion overcame my still lurking distrust; her sobs alone broke the silence which ensued, and I was never in my life more painfully embarrassed.  Fortunately the return of my neighbor relieved me from my peculiar predicament.  No sooner did Adele hear him enter the adjoining room, than she opened the door of communication, and threw herself upon his breast.

VII.

‘’Dearest Arthur,’ said she, the tears still running down her cheeks, ‘how fearfully you must have suffered throughout this long interview!’

’’Oh! fear not, Adele, all will yet be well.  I will protect you and avenge your wrongs.’

‘’Fear not?’ said she, ’do you think that I dread death for my own sake?  No, Arthur, death is nothing terrible to me now.’

’Then suddenly appearing to become conscious of my presence, they both seized me by the hands and overwhelmed me with the profusion of their thanks.

’’Any one would have acted precisely as I have, under similar circumstances.  I therefore beg you to spare me from further thanks.  But, my dear sir, do you feel ill?  Madame, allow me to support Mr. Livermore.’

’A sudden change came over his features; a deathlike paleness overspread his countenance, his eyelids became half-closed, his breathing grew short, his hands clenched, and a nervous tremor shook his entire frame.  For a few moments I feared he was at the point of death.  I promptly assisted him to his couch.

‘’Are you surgeon enough to bleed him?’ inquired Adele.

‘’Yes, I will not hesitate if you desire me to do so.’

’We soon divested Arthur of his coat, stripped his arm, and while I went in search of an impromptu lancet, Adele prepared the needful bandages.

‘’Be quick, I implore you,’ said she.  ’Once before I saw him as he now is; there is not a moment to be lost.’