at his niece will present herself in a week or ten
days."

"But, my dear sir, the delay will be fatal, both to the lady and her
uncle," said the attorney, with alarm.

"It cannot be helped," said the doctor.

"Mr. Dumont's health, I fear, will render it unsafe to wait so long.
Miss Dumont does not wish her uncle to die unforgiven."

"I will go, sir; I will go at once," exclaimed Emily, shocked at the
condition of Jaspar, and anxious, as was her nature, to relieve the
sufferings he must endure in her absence. She forgot how basely he had
wronged her--how he had attempted her life; the divine sentiment, "Love
your enemies," prevailed over every other consideration.

"Die unforgiven," muttered the doctor. "Is he sick?"

"He is, sir, and near his end."

"Why have you not mentioned this circumstance before? It seems of
sufficient importance to merit a passing word."

"I wished not to distress the lady. I think I hinted that he was in
great distress."

"I fear some evil, Miss Dumont."

"Be assured, sir, if Mr. Dumont meditates any further wrong, he has not
the power of putting it into effect. He is prostrate upon his bed, and
if his niece does not see him soon, it will be too late, if it is not so
already. The stricken man must soon stand for judgment in another
world," said De Guy, solemnly.

"This alters the case," said the doctor, musing.

"But, sir," continued the attorney, "I was aware that, after what has
happened, my mission would be attended with many difficulties, and I
have not come unprepared to overcome them. I do not wonder that you have
no confidence,--I confess I should not have, under like circumstances.
You know Dr. Le Verier?" and the attorney drew from his pocket a bundle
of papers, and opening one, he glanced at the signature upon it, as he
pronounced the name.

"I do, very well," replied the doctor.

"Our family physician!" exclaimed Emily.

"Here, madam, is his certificate of your uncle's physical condition,"
said De Guy, handing her the paper.

Emily read the paper, and handed it to the doctor.

"Very satisfactory," said he; "you will pardon me for doubting your
word--"

"Don't mention it, sir," replied De Guy, blandly. "I fully appreciate
your motive, and honor you for it. And you know Mr. Faxon?"

"O, yes--what of him," said Emily, eagerly.

"A letter from him," replied De Guy, giving her the missive.

Emily hastily broke the seal, and, as she examined its contents, the
att