rious crimes, the
unprecedented and speedy retributions that followed quickly on the heels
of guilt at Beauseincourt.

The picturesque old place, with its quaint French name and architecture
and antique furniture, did truly at first enchant my fancy (which
learned to shudder at its aspect later), as did, in the beginning, the
contiguous estates of "Bellevue" with its exquisite grounds, fountains,
and white-stuccoed mansion closely simulating the finest Italian marble.
Later, in accordance with the law of associations, this, too, became as
sorrowful in my sight as was the Hall of Vathek to those who mingled in
its mournful yet magnificent pageantry.

The denizens of this lonely abode were a most interesting couple. Still
young comparatively, virtually childless, and bearing the name (also a
Huguenot appellation) of "_Favraud_" the husband was bright,
intelligent, frivolous--the wife, an invalid of rare loveliness and
sweetness of character, who seldom emerged from her solitude. Both were
perfectly well bred.

These were relatives of Colonel La Vigne, whose son Walter was the
residuary legatee of Bellevue, with but one imbecile life, after that of
Madame Favraud, between him and enormous wealth. Great intimacy existed
between the families, although from circumstances--nameless here--the
ladies seldom met, and never at Bellevue.

Major Favraud was a constant visitor at Beauseincourt, when on his
estates. He was, however, of a roving disposition, and, though tenderly
attached to his wife, was often absent, negligent, and careless of her
feelings. He was a renowned duelist, and deemed a challenge the
essential element and result of every unsettled discussion. A typical
Southerner of his day, I felt keen interest in the scrutiny of his
character, until events developed those venomous tendencies which came
very near destroying my peace of mind forever, with the life of the
noble man whom, after a brief acquaintance, I had learned to love
against my own desires.

The occasion of this belligerent demonstration was afforded at the
Christmas festival, held yearly at Beauseincourt, by Colonel and Mrs. La
Vigne--in the great, many-windowed drawing-room with its waxed
parquet--its ebony-framed mirrors, its pier consoles, and faded damask
furniture.

There were assembled around the bright pine-fire, on the occasion of
this universal anniversary, neighbors, and guests from a distance,
invited specially for a certain number of d