the scenes and reminiscences of her past life to commence the world
anew.

Yes, she had done very well for herself--how wonderfully well she
knew better than did any one else, and at this date she had fresh
cause for self-gratulation. Through her, Herbert, her favorite
brother, was likely to form an alliance which would be a timely and
substantial stepping-stone to his aggrandizement and wealth. There
were more reasons why she should hold her head higher--why the blood
should clothe her cheek with a richer carmine, and a smile encircle
the mouth, as one swift glance took in the spacious, luxurious room,
thronged with well-dressed aristocrats, her husband the stateliest,
most honored of them all, yet her fond thrall; the splendid apparel
in which his wealth had bedecked her, the queen of the scene--more
reasons, I say, for the ineffable thrill of pleasure that coursed, a
rapid, intoxicating stream, through her veins, than grateful
affection for the author of all these goods. With a Sybarite's dread
of pain and loneliness, she seldom trusted herself to look at the
dark curtain in the background, against which her latter-day glories
shone the more dazzlingly. But to-night she felt safe upon her
throne--sat, the lady of kingdoms, sultana in the realm of her
spouse's heart and in his domain, and could stare full upon the
past--could measure, without shuddering, the height of her actual
and assumed estate above--

Mr. Aylett stepped forward in haste and concern at the deadly pallor
that overspread her face--the look of horror, fear, loathing, before
which smile and brightness fled, blasted into wretchedness. The
revellers stopped in their giddy measure at the discordant jangle,
preluding a dead silence.