eless; and only the song of the surf mingled with the
whisper of trembling poplars, whose fading leaves gleamed ghostly and
chill under the silver sheen of that broad white moon.

"There heavily, across the troubled night,
A warning comet trails her hideous hair,
And underneath, the wroth sea-waves are white."

During the hour in which Dr. Grey listened to the recital of this
woman's hapless career, she became as utterly dead to him as though
shroud and sepulchre had already claimed her; and when she ceased
speaking, he looked as sorrowfully down at her fair, frozen face, as
if the coffin-lid were shutting it forever from his view.

Henceforth she was as sacred in his sad eyes as some beloved corpse,
and bowing his head upon his hands, he prayed long but silently that
God would strengthen him for the duties of a desolate future,--would
sanctify this grievous disappointment to his eternal welfare, and
grant him power to lead heavenward the heart of the only woman whom he
had ever desired to call his own.

Putting away the beautiful dreams wherein this regal form had moved to
and fro as crown and queen of his home and heart, he calmly resigned
the cherished scheme that linked this woman's life with his; and felt
that he would gladly barter all his earthly hopes for the assurance,
that, throughout eternity, he might be allowed the companionship which
time denied him.

Mrs. Gerome rose, and folding her mantle around her, said proudly,--

"Married life, unhallowed by love, is more acceptable in your
righteous eyes than my isolated existence; and you have passed
sentence against me. So be it. Strange code of morality you Christians
hug to your hearts, squeezing the form that holds no spirit; but some
day I shall be acquitted by that incorruptible tribunal where God
alone has the right to judge us. Till then, farewell."

She turned to leave the terrace, but he arrested the movement, and
placed himself before her.

"You misinterpret my silence, if you suppose it was employed in
censuring your course. Pondering all that you have recapitulated, I
can conjecture no line of conduct towards your husband less deplorable
than that which you have pursued; and I honor the stern honesty and
integrity of purpose from which you have never swerved. Mrs. Carlyle,
I acquit you of all guilt, save that of impious defiance, of rebellion
against your God, whose grace could sweeten even the bitter dregs of
the cup you have well-nig