no common interest, and I took opportunities of declaring my ardent, hopeless passsion. I at length succeeded in persuading her to accompany me, unknown to any one, one evening to a hermit, whose cave was on the seashore, and who, thinking us a country lad and lass, unhesitatingly united us.

"I had taken advantage of Marie being absent, and conjured my wife, as I called her, not to breathe a word of what had passed between us, particularly to Marie. This the kind, fond creature promised to do; and months passed on, during which time no human being guessed the situation in which we stood to each other. Meanwhile, I deceived Marie into the belief that she was as dear to me as ever, that I had resolved not to enter the church but should marry her so soon as I should have finished the education of my pupil.

Things were in this position when I was suddenly summoned to Paris to take leave of my dying mother. I was detained there nearly six weeks, and, on my return, found that Rosalie

had been very ill. In fact, she had miscarried, and in her dismay and distress had confessed, all that had passed between us to Marie; the only person, perhaps, in the whole world, who would have been unwilling to soothe and comfort her.

"The astonishment of Marie was equalled only by her rage. She, however, kept her feelings to herself, and concealed the situation of her young and trusting mistress. The latter, grateful for her affectionate attention, as she, poor young creature, called it, lavished on the artful Marie more than her usual kindness.

"As Rosalie and myself met on my return, when all the family were assembled, I knew nothing then of what had passed; for we had had no opportunity of speaking in private. I was grieved to see her looking so ill, and contrived to slip a note into her hand, pressing her to meet me at night, in the summer-house, the place of our former rendezvous.

"I had not as yet seen Marie, which rather surprised me, as she was always forward and eager to waylay me, if I had been absent only

for a day. Supper over, we all retired to our separate apartments, and I waited with impatience as I heard the different doors closed, as a signal that all had retired to rest, and I should be at liberty to meet my young and lovely Rosalie. I was about to leave my chamber for that purpose, when the door slowly opened, and to my dismay Marie entered, and locking the door after her, and putting the key in her bosom, approached me. As I gazed on her really handsome face, I trembled at the mixture of deadly passions painted on it, and instantly guessed that she was mistress of my cherished secret. She did not speak for some minutes, and I felt unable to address her, dreading the confirmation of my fears, that some unfortunate accident had made her acquainted with my connexion with Rosalie. My doubts on that subject were soon removed.

"Traitor, monster, wretch!' she at length murmured; 'think not to escape me; think not that the silly fool who fancies herself your wife shall escape me. You both shall be sa

crificed to my just vengeance.' Saying which, she drew from her pocket a brace of pistols. 'Now listen,' continued she, 'to the terms on which alone I will forgive you; on which alone I will spare your life.' Saying this, with a pistol pointed at my head, she made a proposal which at this distance of time thrills my blood with horror.

"Where was my guardian angel to urge me to dash the fiend from my presence? Alas! alas! I was myself a demon.

"I listened, and promised to obey. I was ordered not to keep my appointment that night with Rosalie, but dedicate the time to Marie and her plots.

"Let the silly girl wait till I have leisure to tell her she has waited in vain.'

"Saying this, she seated herself coolly by my side, with a pistol in each hand, urging and reiterating her claims, her plans, and her revenge.

"The following night, by Marie's direction, I was to appoint to meet Rosalie in the summer-house, and have no private communication

with the unconscious girl in the interim. The morning shone bright, every one looked kindly on me, particularly she to whom I was bound by every tie on earth and in heaven, yet I felt the most miserable wretch alive.

"Evening came, and I sat as usual by the side of my sweet Rosalie. A soft whisper informed me how much she had been disappointed the preceding night, and how she longed to talk with me alone. I pressed her hand, and promised that nothing should prevent my meeting her at twelve o'clock, in the well-known spot. We all separated as usual at ten o'clock. By eleven the house was as still as death. At that hour Marie again appeared, armed as before. Her countenance, however, had now assumed a different expression. Anger and rage were banished. Triumphant revenge now filled her heart, and animated her features.

"Are you prepared?' she whispered, as she fastened the door.

"Quite,' I replied, showing a strong cord.

666

'Well,' said she, 'don't you think that my