tep by my
advice," said De Guy, with an air of the deepest humility.

Emily was somewhat moved, by the revelation of the attorney, from the
stern reserve she had manifested, and said,

"I am grateful for your interest in my behalf."

"Do not mention it, madam. There is a pleasure in doing one's duty,
which is superior to every other gratification."

"May I ask what prompted you to give such advice?" asked Dr. Vaudelier,
incredulously.

"The consciousness that my duty to this lady demanded it. It was not
exactly in keeping with the profession, I am aware; but I felt obliged
to sacrifice professional consistency to the call of justice," said the
attorney, in such a way as to leave it doubtful whether he was
perpetrating a jest or a moral axiom.

"Humph!" said the doctor, with a doubtful sneer.

"Principle before professional advantage, is my motto, sir," continued
De Guy.

"Pray, what gave you the first intimation that all was not right between
this lady and her uncle?"

"The voluntary confession of Mr. Dumont," replied De Guy, readily.

"You do not believe Mr. Dumont would have abandoned his purpose, just as
it was in the very act of being consummated, without a strong motive."

"True; I understand that the body-servant of the late Colonel Dumont is
upon this island. He must have informed the lady, by this time, of his
share in the transaction."

"Well."

"And Mr. Dumont saw the boy the night before he left the steamer."

"True."

"Was not the reaeppearance, the rising from the dead, of this man, quite
enough to convince him that all his plans had failed?"

"Why so?"

"The boy had the will!"

"It is all plain to me," said Emily, more disposed to trust De Guy than
Dr. Vaudelier was.

"Perfectly plain, madam; it is not at all strange that he should adopt
this course. He must trust to his niece's good-nature to save him from
exposure."

"Perhaps this is only a plan to get the lady into his power again,"
suggested Dr. Vaudelier.

"I assure you it is not. He is sorely troubled in mind, even now, at the
guilt which is fastened upon him. His conscience is awakened."

"And well it might be," said the doctor.

"True," responded the silky attorney, with an appearance of honest
indignation; "but when we see a man disposed to repent, we should be
ready to assist him."

Dr. Vaudelier involuntarily turned his thoughts to the incidents of the
morning,--called to mind the feelings which had been awakened