complete his generous purpose in vain: _he_ had been condemned by
the tribunal of man, and had been reprieved. I--in his place, and
with his self-sacrifice in my mind--might found a firmer trust in
the future; for I had been condemned by the tribunal of God.

Encouraged by my silence, the obstinate woman persisted. "Won't
you even send a message to Susan?" she asked.

Rashly, madly, without an instant's hesitation, I answered:

"Go back to Susan, and say I leave it to _her_."

Mrs. Rymer started to her feet. "You leave it to Susan to be your
wife, if she likes?"

"I do."

"And if she consents?"

"_I_ consent."

In two weeks and a day from that time, the deed was done. When
Rothsay returned to England, he would ask for Susan--and he would
find my virgin-widow rich and free.

SEVENTH EPOCH.

WHATEVER may be thought of my conduct, let me say this in justice
to myself--I was resolved that Susan should not be deceived.