'"I cannot tell, my dear friend," addressing herself to me, "what you will think of my conduct. At one moment I suspect it to be wrong; and at the next blame myself for not having taken my present step sooner. I have surely been grossly misled. This indeed I have long suspected; and it cannot but be my duty to enquire. Have you lately seen Mr. Trevor?"

'"I never fail to see him every day. I have a letter from him, for you; which he has disdained to take any clandestine means of conveying to you. Here it is."

'"Before I date think about his letter, answer me one question. Is he a murderer?"

'"A murderer! In the name of God! what can induce you to make such an enquiry?"

'"I have been assured that he has caused the death of two men: one of whom he killed himself."

'"Where? When? How?"

'"At Bath. By delivering one over to the fury of the mob; and by afterward provoking, insulting, and fighting with the other."

'"Heavens and earth! It is false! wickedly false!"

'"Nay but do you know his story?"

'"Perfectly. I have heard it, not only from himself, but, from the man whom I suppose you have been told he has murdered."