hat sat enthroned upon her angelic features.

"As I gazed admiringly upon the beautiful woman, whom I could almost
imagine to be a being from a celestial world, I could not help saying
to myself--

"'After all, she is an adulteress and a murderess; and is now about to
sacrifice her person to me, the instrument of her murderous wishes.
Why, what a devil is here, in the form of a lovely woman, whose beauty
would seem to proclaim her a tenant of the skies, while the black
depravity of her heart fits her only for the companionship of the
fiends below! Why do I hesitate and tremble in her presence? She is in
my power--my _slave_! Yet, by heavens, what a superb creature! A
thousand passionate devils are dancing in her brilliant eyes--her lips
are moist with the honey of love--and her form seems to glow with
ardent but hidden fires! Come, let me delay no longer, but speak to
her in the language befitting a master to his slave!'

"'Lady,' said I, in a tone familiar, yet not disrespectful--'why this
reserve and silence? You know for what purpose I come thus at midnight
to your chamber--it is by your own appointment, and to receive the
reward of a difficult and dangerous service which I have performed for
you. Nay, I see that you have anticipated my coming, by preparing this
delicate and acceptable feast for our entertainment. Is it not so, my
charmer? And you have dressed yourself in this bewitching style of
chaste simplicity, solely to please me--am I right? But come; though
you have not yet spoken or looked at me, sweet coquette that you are,
I read in your bright eyes the confirmation of my hopes. Let us first
banquet upon the delights of love, and then sip the ruby contents of
the sparkling wine-cup, which I'll swear are not one half so sweet as
the nectar of your lips, which now I taste.'

"I clasped her in my arms as I spoke, and attempted to imprint a kiss
upon her lips; but she hurled me from her with disdain, and said, with
an air of lofty dignity--

"'Dog, how dare you thus intrude into the sanctity of my chamber? and
how dared you for a moment presume to think that I intended to keep
the promise which, in my eagerness to have Lagrange silenced, I gave
you? Know that, sooner than submit to your base and loathsome
embraces, I'd brave exposure and even death itself! If _money_ will
satisfy you, name your sum, and be it ever so great, it shall be