ssary that he
should retire," replied Emily, as Dr. Vaudelier was moving towards the
door.

"Very well, madam; though I think, from the nature of my business, you
would wish it to be confidential."

"Perhaps I had better withdraw," suggested the physician.

"By no means, my dear sir; if this gentleman's visit relates to business
matters, I must beg the favor of your counsel."

"As you please, Miss Dumont; I come charged with a message from your
uncle, my respected client, Mr. Dumont."

"Indeed, sir!" replied Emily, a slight tremor creeping through her
frame; "pray deliver it at once."

"It is simply to say your immediate presence at your late residence is
necessary."

"Where did you see my uncle?" asked she.

"At Bellevue, madam, yesterday morning. I arrived at eleven o'clock
to-day."

"When did Mr. Dumont return from his journey up the river?" asked Dr.
Vaudelier.

De Guy reflected a moment; from the shade of displeasure on his
countenance, it was evident he disliked the interference of the doctor.

"About four days ago."

"When did you last see your uncle, Miss Dumont?" asked the doctor.

"I have not seen him since the second day of our journey,"--which was
the time that Jaspar had been left at the wood-yard.

"Probably, then, he has returned to Bellevue. It is singular that, under
the instructions of the will, he should leave you in this unceremonious
manner."

"Not at all," interrupted De Guy.

"You speak as though you were familiar with his motions," said Dr.
Vaudelier, with a penetrating glance at the attorney.

"To some extent, I am," replied the silky-toned lawyer, with a smile
which was intended to declare his own innocence in any of the plots of
Jaspar. "He has voluntarily acquainted me with some of the particulars
of this unfortunate affair."

"Indeed, sir!"

"Such is the fact," continued the attorney, with professional ease; "he
has sent for Miss Dumont in order to effect a compromise."

"A compromise!" exclaimed Emily, with disdain; "there can be no
compromise, short of restoring, absolutely, my rights!"

"It is very probable he is quite ready to do so," replied the
accommodating attorney.

"May I ask what has produced this singular and sudden change in the
purpose of my uncle?"

"Well, madam, it would be difficult to explain the precise reasons. His
mind seemed troubled; I advised him to unburden to me, which he did. The
conclusion of the whole matter is, he has taken this s