-"but then it seems too terrible to
go about the horrible business deliberately, and in cold blood."

"He coolly and deliberately planned and effected the ruin of my peace,
happiness and fortune," rejoined Mrs. Raymond, in a tone of fixed
determination--"and it is therefore but just that he should be coolly
and deliberately slain. Once more, farewell; by everything sacred, I
swear that you shall not turn me from my purpose. My regard for you is
great--but, if you seek to detain me by force, your heart shall be made
acquainted with the point of my knife!"

"I have no idea of using force," said I, reproachfully--"but, if I
_had_, no such threat as the one which you have just now made, would
deter me. Go, my friend, go--do as you will; but I will go with you, for
I swear that I will not leave you."

This announcement deeply affected Mrs. Raymond, who embraced me and
begged my pardon for the language which she had used.

"Forgive me, my best, my only friend," said she--"the loyalty and
devotion which you have always manifested towards me should have
prompted different expressions.--If you are _determined_ to accompany
me, and see me through this business, _follow me_."

I obeyed, hoping to be able to prevent the perpetration of the terrible
deed which she meditated.

She rang the bell at the door, which was opened by a servant.

"I wish to see your master, instantly, on particular business," said the
disguised woman.

"What name, sir?" demanded the servant.

"It matters not. Say to Mr. Livingston that two gentlemen wish to see
him on business of the greatest importance."

The servant disappeared, but soon returned, saying that she would
conduct us to her master.

We followed her into a handsomely furnished library, where Mr.
Livingston was seated, looking over some letters. He glanced at us
carelessly, and said--

"Well, young gentlemen, what can I do for you to-day? Do you wish to
consult me on any matter of law? I am entirely at your service."

It was evident that the villain did not recognize the woman whom he had
so basely wronged.

Mrs. Raymond uttered not one single word, but, thrusting her hand into
her bosom, she slowly approached the author of her ruin, who still
continued to peruse his letters in entire unconsciousness of the
terrible danger that hung over him.

I watched Mrs. Raymond with the closest attention, fully determined to
spring forward at the critical moment and prevent the desperate