I not kept the secret
for years? Can I not keep it still? A good woman might lead me to
repent, and teach me how to pray.--I will marry.

* * * * *

Providence, if Providence still watches over a wretch like me, has
thrown a lovely, simple girl in my way. The evil spirit was upon me, the
wrath of God spoke in tones of thunder, and the murdered stood visibly
before me face to face. Nature and reason yielded to the shock, and the
fatal secret trembled on my lips. In that hour of mental agony, she did
not disdain to take me to her humble home, to soothe and comfort the
fear-stricken stranger. My heart is melted with love and gratitude. I
feel a boy once more, and the sins of my manhood are lost in the dim
shadows of bygone years.

* * * * *

She is mine! She regards me as her benefactor. My Sophy, my darling
wife! she is the good angel sent by a relenting God to snatch me from
perdition! My heart cleaves to my new-found treasure; and, wonder of
wonders! she loves me. Loves me--the murderer! While her arms encircle
me, the hot breath of the fiend ceases to scorch my brain.

* * * * *

My felicity has been of short duration. The mother of Martin has
returned, and is living in our immediate neighbourhood. This bodes me no
good. The raven of remorse is again flapping her black wings around my
head. My sleep is haunted by frightful dreams. "There is no peace for
the wicked." The sight of this woman fills me with dismay.

* * * * *

My wife is unhappy. She does not complain, but her cheeks are deadly
pale, and she is wasted to a shadow. I dare not inquire the cause of her
grief. I remember the sad, patient face of my mother, and I tremble lest
Sophy has discovered my guilt.

* * * * *

Oh God! she knows it all. She asked me a question yesterday that has
sealed my doom. Instead of falling at her feet, and pouring out the
sorrows of my heart, I spoke harshly to her--even threatened to strike
her if she alluded to the subject again. Will she be able to keep the
dreadful secret? I tremble before a young girl,--I dare not meet her
eyes. If she breathes a word to the mother of Martin, I am lost.

* * * * *

Here the felon's manuscript abruptly terminated. Sophy still held it
tightly in her hand, although her eyes, now blinded with tears,