turning to the only friend upon whose
discretion he felt he could rely.

Captain Pendleton nodded acquiescence and intelligence, and left the
room, as if for the purpose specified.

"Now, dear Sybil, with Judge Basham's permission, give our friends the
explanation that you have promised them," said Lyon Berners
affectionately, and confidingly taking her hand and placing himself
beside her.

For all his anger as well as all her jealousy had been swept away in the
terrible tornado of this evening's events.

"The explanation that I promised _you_, and those who wish me well," she
said emphatically. And then her voice arose clear, firm, and distinct,
as she continued:

"I was in my chamber, which is immediately above that occupied by Mrs.
Blondelle. My chamber is approached by two ways, first by the front
passage and stairs, and secondly by a narrow staircase running up from
Mrs. Blondelle's room. And the door leading from her room up this
staircase and into mine, she has been in the habit of leaving open.
To-night, as I said, I was sitting in my chamber; from causes not
necessary to explain now and here, I was too much disturbed in mind to
think of retiring to rest, or even of undressing. I do not know how long
I had sat there, when I heard a piercing shriek from some one in the
room below. Instinctively I rushed down the communicating stairs and
into Mrs. Blondelle's room, and up to her bed, where I saw by the light
of the taper she was lying. Her eyes were closed, and I thought at first
that she had fainted from some fright until, almost at the same instant,
I saw this dagger--" here Sybil stooped and picked up the dagger that
she had dropped a few minutes before--"driven to its haft in her chest.
I drew it out. Instantly the blood from the opened wound spirted up,
covering my hand and sleeve with the accusing stains you see! With the
flowing of the blood her eyes flew wildly open! She gazed affrightedly
at me for an instant, and then with the last effort of her life, for
which terror lent her strength, she started up and fled shrieking to
this room. I, still holding the dagger that I had drawn from her bosom,
followed her here. And--you know the rest," said Sybil; and overcome
with excitement, she sank upon the nearest chair to rest.

Lyon Berners still held her hand.

Her story had evidently made a very great impression upon the company
present. But Lyon Berners suddenly exclaimed:

"Good Heavens! that lady'