“I could say no more; my strength failed me; the room grew dark, and I fell forward at the feet of my enemy.

“It was weeks before I was again able to leave my room.  During this time I pondered deeply upon the course which it was best to pursue.  I was without money or friends, and, therefore, utterly unable to help myself.  I had always been a proud, independent girl, generally more envied and admired than loved.  I had not cared to make many friends, and now I had none to turn to in this emergency.  I felt completely crushed and heart-broken.  Meanwhile, my husband took care to inform me that his feelings remained unchanged, and that he was still firm in his resolution to rid himself of me.  I now learned that he had employed legal advice in the matter.  As he had said, he would not scruple at the means to accomplish his object.

“I thought of all this till my brain grew dizzy, and my heart ached with its weight of woe.  At last I determined to leave the place where I had endured so much misery.  I made a few preparations; knelt and asked God to forgive me if I was doing wrong, and turned upon the threshold of my chamber to give it a last look upon earth.

“Everything looked quiet and peaceful, as if this was the abode of contentment.  I could not repress a sigh, and my eyes were blinded with tears, as I turned to go into the nursery.

“‘Jane, go to your supper,’ I said, authoritatively, to the servant, who sat rocking the child’s cradle.  The girl looked up sullenly, and I think she suspected at once my design.  My heart sank within me as I moved forward to the side of the unconscious little one.

“‘Shure,’ said the girl, eyeing me narrowly, ’you’ll be after finding it warm here with that great shawl around you.  It looks better for travelin’ than a lady’s parlor, and would be more becoming to the likes of me, than your own illegant shoulders.’

“It was true.  I was detected.  Was there no hope?

“I grew desperate, for I knew this would all be repeated to her master in the morning.  This girl was nothing but a well-paid spy upon his wife’s actions.

“I became indignant as hope fled.  ‘Did you hear me?’ I commanded.  ’Go down stairs to your supper, immediately.  I wish to be left alone with my daughter.’

“Instantly the expression of her face changed to one of cringing submission, and she rose and dropped a little deprecatory curtesy.

“’Indeed, ma’am, I’ve had me tay.  Ann brought it up, for I takes me meals here now, accordin’ to the masters’ orders.  Please, ma’am, shall I take away the shawl, and fetch you the one you always wear?’

“‘No, stay where you are,’ I said, sinking into a chair, and dropping my head into my hands to hide my disappointment from the keen eyes that watched me.

“Presently there was a kind of gasping, strangling sound from the cradle.  The girl sprang forward with a sudden cry of fear.