him to his
feet. It was not the overseer's knock.

A servant announced a strange gentleman, who declined to give his name.

"Show him in," said Jaspar, re-seating himself, and striving to assume a
tranquillity which did not pervade his mind. Since the consummation of
his base scheme he had been a prey to nervous starts, and the
announcement of a stranger stirred the blood in its channels, and sent
his heart into his throat. This nervous excitement had been increasing
upon him every day, and his devotion to the bottle by no means tended
to allay it. Such are the consequences of guilt. If the victim, before
he yields to temptation, could anticipate the terrible state of suspense
into which his guilt would plunge him,--if he could see only a faint
reflection of himself, starting at every sound in nervous terror, as
before the appearance of some grim spirit of darkness,--he would never
have the courage to commit a crime.

The stranger entered the library. It was De Guy. At his appearance
Jaspar's fears gave way to a most uncontrollable fit of passion.

"Villain!" exclaimed he, "how dare you enter my house, after what has
passed?"

"Gently, my dear sir! You forget that we have been friends, and that our
mutual safety requires us to remain so still," said De Guy, in his silky
tone and compromising manner.

Jaspar compressed his lips, and grated his teeth, while a smothered oath
escaped him. But his rage soon found a more audible expression.

"Friends!" By ----, I should think we had been _friends!_" said he,
fiercely.

"Certainly, my dear sir,--_friends_."

"Then save me from my friends!"

"Better say your enemies! I fear you have a great many."

"Save me from both! May I ask to what fortunate circumstance I am
indebted for the honor of this visit?" said Jaspar, sarcastically
mimicking the silky tones, of the attorney.

"I came to forward our mutual interest."

"Then, by ----, you can take yourself off! You and I will part company."

"Indeed, sir, this is ungenerous, after I have assisted you into your
present position, to treat me in this manner," replied the attorney,
smilingly shaking his head.

"I am _not_ indebted to you for my life, or my position! You have been
a traitor, sir!--a traitor! and, tear out my heart, but I will swing,
before I have anything further to do with you!" roared Jaspar, with
compound emphasis, as he rose from his chair, and advanced to the
brandy-bottle.

"Gently, Mr. Dumont,