l evidences of crime which had been
revealed to him that night.--The miscreant's tale of murder and outrage,
told with such cool indifference, and with an air of sincerity that left
no doubt of its perfect truth, appalled him; and the proof he had
obtained of the guilt of Josephine and her mother struck his soul with
horror. Ere he sought his couch, he prayed long and earnestly for the
forgiveness of his past transgressions, and for strength to resist
future temptations.

CHAPTER XIX

_Showing how Mrs. Belmont was pursued by a hideous ruffian._

The time appointed for the marriage of Mr. Hedge to Mrs. Belmont
approached. The enamored old gentleman paid her frequent visits, and
supplied her liberally with funds, nor did he neglect to make her most
costly presents. Julia's position and prospects, with reference to her
contemplated marriage, were certainly very gratifying to her; yet there
was one thing which troubled her exceedingly and was a source of
constant apprehension and dread.

The uneasiness proceeded from the fact that she was completely in the
power of the Dead Man, who knew that she was the cast-off wife of
Sydney--cast off for the crime of adultery with a black--and who could
at any time, by exposing her true character to Mr. Hedge, ruin her
schemes in that quarter forever. She knew too well that the deadly
villain was as deceitful as he was criminal; and she knew not at what
moment he might betray her to her intended husband.

The Dead Man was disposed to take every advantage in his power over her.
The secret passage into the cellar admitted him into the house at all
hours of the day and night; and his visits were frequent. At first his
treatment of her was more respectful than otherwise; but gradually he
grew familiar and insolent, and began to insinuate that as she had
formerly granted her favors to a negro, she could not object to treat
HIM with equal kindness. This hint she received with disgust; and
assuming an indignant tone, bade him relinquish all thought of such a
connection, and never recur to the subject again.

But the villain was not to be repulsed; each time he visited her he grew
more insulting and audacious, until at last his persecutions became
almost unbearable to the proud and beautiful woman, who viewed him with
loathing and abhorrence.

One afternoon, about a fortnight previous to the time fixed on for her
marriage, she was seated in her chamber, engaged in reflections wh