"She is safe, though, unfortunately, at present in bad hands;" and Henry related to the astonished minister the events of Emily's history since her departure from Bellevue, not concealing even the details of his present relations with her.
"And now, my dear sir," said he, rising to depart, "the crisis has come. Dr. Vaudelier waits close by, and we are ready to witness the denouement of this climax of plots. It is already time for Jerome and Emily to arrive, and we desire your immediate presence at the mansion-house."
"I will attend you. But I have in the house several friends of Miss Dumont—"
"Bring them all with you," interrupted Henry, looking at his watch. "The more witnesses the better, especially if they be friends."
"But wait till I tell you who they are."
"Excuse me, Mr. Faxon, I must not tarry longer. I will meet them at the mansion."
CHAPTER XXX.
"What devil's here, dragging the dead to life,
To overthrow me?"
"Who art thou?
Speak! speak!"
"The features all are changed,
But the voice grows familiar on my ears."
LOVELL
Jaspar Dumont was seated in the library. The ravages of care and vice were growing more plainly visible on his face. His countenance was haggard, and his complexion seemed to be a struggle between the wanness of care and the redness of intemperance.