"I do not accuse your hand, though I know of none other which would or
could have done this deed; but your heart, your head, your will, these
I do and must accuse, in my secret mind at least; and it is well that
you should know it!"

Struck with horror, I staggered back, my hands to my ears, when a
touch fell on my arm, and turning, I saw Mr. Gryce standing close
beside me, with his finger on his lip, and the last flickering shadow
of a flying emotion fading from his steady, almost compassionate
countenance.

"Come, come," he exclaimed; "I see you don't begin to know what
kind of a world you are living in. Rouse yourself; remember they are
waiting down below."

"But who is it? Who was it that spoke?"

"That we shall soon see." And without waiting to meet, much less
answer, my appealing look, he struck his hand against the door, and
flung it wide open.

Instantly a flush of lovely color burst upon us. Blue curtains, blue
carpets, blue walls. It was like a glimpse of heavenly azure in a spot
where only darkness and gloom were to be expected. Fascinated by the
sight, I stepped impetuously forward, but instantly paused again,
overcome and impressed by the exquisite picture I saw before me.

Seated in an easy chair of embroidered satin, but rousing from her
half-recumbent position, like one who was in the act of launching a
powerful invective, I beheld a glorious woman. Fair, frail, proud,