had become even positively distasteful, or perhaps from some instinctive
recoil from the warm expression of gratitude from lips which, were the
truth revealed, might justly have trembled with execration and
reproach--he abruptly left the room, and Mrs. Marston, full of her good
news, hastened, in the kindness of her heart, to communicate the fancied
result of her advocacy to Mademoiselle de Barras.

It was about a week after this, that Marston was one evening surprised in
his study by the receipt of the following letter from Dr. Danvers:--

"My Dear Sir,

"You will be shocked to hear that Merton is most dangerously ill, and at
this moment in imminent peril. He is thoroughly conscious of his
situation, and himself regards it as a merciful interposition of
Providence to spare him the disgrace and terror of the dreadful fate,
which he anticipated. The unhappy man has twice repeated his anxious
desire, this day, to state some facts connected with the murder of the
late Sir Wynston Berkley, which, he says, it is of the utmost moment that
you should hear. He says that he could not leave the world in peace
without having made this disclosure, which he especially desires to make
to yourself, and entreats that you will come to receive his
communication as early as you can in the morning. This is indeed needful,
as the physician says that he is fast sinking. I offer no apology for
adding my earnest solicitations to those or the dying man; and am, dear
sir, your very obedient servant,

"J. Danvers"

"He regards it as a merciful interposition of Providence," muttered