ther, whose heart
she had broken, and who was sleeping in the old church-yard of her
native village.--A tear dim'd her brilliant eye as these better feelings
of her nature gained a temporary ascendancy: but she dashed her tear
away, and suppressed the emotions of her heart, when the image of the
fascinating Italian arose before her.

'He must be mine! I swear it by everything in heaven, earth or hell--he
must be mine! Yes, though I stain my soul with the blackest
crime--though remorse and misery be my lot on earth--though eternal
torment be my portion in the world to come--he must and shall be mine!
Aid me, ye powers of hell, in this my scheme--make my heart bold, my
hand firm, my brain calm; for the deed is full of horror, and the
thought of it chills my blood; I shudder and turn sick and dizzy--yet,
for thy sake, Montoni, I WILL DO IT!'

That night the wretched woman slept not; but in the solitude of her
chamber employed her mind in endeavoring to form some plan by which to
accomplish her fell purpose with secrecy and safety. Ere morning dawned,
she had arranged the _programme_ of the awful drama in which she was to
play the part of a murderess.

When Mr. Hedge met her at breakfast, he noticed that she appeared
feverish and unwell; and with almost parental solicitude, he gently
chided her for neglecting to take proper care of her health.

'My dear Julia,' said he--'you must not pour out the golden sands of
youth too fast. If you will suffer me to offer you advice, you will go
less abroad, and endeavor to seek recreation at home. You know my ardent
affection for you alone prompts me to make this suggestion.'

Julia slightly curled her lip, but said nothing. The kindness of her
husband's manner did not in the least affect her, or alter the
abominable purpose of her heart. Mr. Hedge did not notice her
contemptuous look; he gave her a sum of money, as usual, kissed her and
bade her adieu.

When he had gone, she dressed herself in her plainest attire, and going
into an obscure part of the city, entered an apothecary's shop and
purchased some arsenic. She then retraced her steps to her residence,
and found that Mr. Hedge, contrary to his usual custom, had returned,
and would dine at home. This arrangement afforded her much satisfaction.

'The fates are propitious,' said she--'to-night Montoni shall find me
without a husband.'

Mr. Hedge and Julia dined alone; dispensing with the attendance of a
servant, they never