a perfect abrogation of self did these acts evince; what consummate
devotion to a cause! Deeply as we may condemn the horrid nature of
the crime, it would be a great error to class these men with vulgar
criminals, or deny to them the motives, at least, of something great."

I am not able--were I even disposed--to repeat all the ingenious
arguments by which the Marchesa supported her opinion, nor the instances
she so readily adduced in support of it. She became highly excited by
the theme, and soon, by the eloquence of her words and the fascinations
of her manner, enchained the whole company in a mute attention around
her.

It was just as she concluded a very animated and glowing description of
that condition of the human mind when, by a volcanic effort, as it were,
the long-buried flames burst forth, to scatter ruin and destruction on
every side, that a young officer entered the cabin, and stood fascinated
by the powers of her fervid eloquence.

"Well, Mr. Hardy," said the Captain, recalling the youth's attention to
duty, "have you been on board of her?"

"Yes, sir, she is an English yacht, the 'Firefly,' and her late
owner was an English baronet, whose name I have written down in my
pocket-book."

The Captain took the note-book from the young officer's hand, and, after
reading the name, said, "If I mistake not, this is the same person that
once was so well known in London life. Most of the present company must
have heard of the rich and eccentric Sir Dudley Broughton."

A low groan broke from me, and I turned my eyes slowly and stealthily
towards the end of the table, where the Marchesa sat. Not a word, not
the faintest sound, had issued from her lips; but she sat still and
motionless, her lips slightly parted, and her eyes staring straight
before her. The pallor of her features was that of death itself; and,
indeed, the rigid contour of the cheeks and the firm tension of the
muscles gave no evidence of life.

"You are ill, Madame la Marchesa," said a gentleman who sat beside her;
but as she made no reply, several now turned towards her, to press their
attentions and suggest advice. She never spoke,--indeed, she seemed
not to hear them,--but sat with her head erect, and her arms rigidly
stretched out on either side, motionless as a statue.

The shocking incident that had occurred, and the discussion which
followed it, were sufficient to account for this sudden attack in one
whose nervous temperament was so f