this fatal business, stood horror-struck by the sight now presented
to his view. If he was not the actual murderer, was he not the
instigator of the whole business? He put this question to his
conscience, and it whispered to him in deep and thrilling
tones-guilty, guilty! He would have given everything he possessed,
ay, life itself, to have been able to recall the whole transaction;
but alas! it was now too late, and the consciousness of his guilt
drove him almost to madness.

The servants, who had witnessed the whole affair, could testify that
Carlton had acted only in self-defence in the matter, and from a
conviction of this, they offered no interference. Signor Latrezzi,
after giving direction's for the removal of the body, took his
departure towards the city, without attempting to interfere with
either Carlton or Florinda, whom he left to themselves unmolested.
Florinda happily was insensible of the tragic scene performed in her
presence. When she revived, all traces of the deed were removed, and
she found herself in the care and protection of Carlton.

"Where am I?" she asked, as she recovered from the insensibility
which had seized upon her, when she realized the treachery that had
been played upon her; her eyes resting on Carlton, she clung
instinctively to him for protection. She closed them again, scarcely
daring to trust their evidence, lest she should again realize that
scene.

"Is it a vision or reality?" she asked tremblingly of Carlton.

There is nothing done but has been undone, dearest," was the answer.
"You shall know more when you are more composed."