'May the lightning of heaven's wrath sere his brain and scorch his heart!' she said--'had he not, disguised as the Italian, won my love and driven me to desperation, I now should be happy and comparatively guiltless. But, by his infernal means, I have become a murderess and an outcast--perhaps doomed to swing upon the scaffold! But no, no;--sooner than die _that_ death, I would end my misery in the dark waters of this river, which flows so calmly beneath my feet!' She heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and saw two men advancing on the opposite foot-path of the bridge. She crouched down to avoid observation; and as they passed, she distinctly heard their conversation. 'Have you heard,' said one, 'of the case of murder in ---- street?' 'No; how was it?' demanded the other. 'Why, a rich old fellow named Hedge was found this evening in his chamber, stone dead, having been poisoned by his wife, who they say is a young and handsome woman. It is supposed she did it on account of a lover, or some such thing; and since the murder, she has disappeared--but the police are on her track, and they won't be long in finding her. 'Twill be a bad job for her.' The men passed on out of sight and hearing; but the words struck terror to the heart of Julia. She started up and gazed wildly around her, expecting every moment to see the myrmidons of the law approaching, to drag her away to prison. Then she looked down upon the calm river, on whose placid breast reposed the soft moonlight. 'Why should I live?' she murmured, sadly--'earth has no longer any charms for me; the past brings remorse, the present is most wretched, the future full of impending horror! Death is my only refuge; the only cure for all my sorrows. Take me to thy embrace, thou peaceful river; thou canst end my earthly woes, but thou canst not wash off the stains of guilt from my soul! There may be a hell, but its torments cannot exceed those of this world--' She mounted upon the topmost rail of the bridge, clasped her hands, muttered a brief prayer, and leaped into the river. There was a splash--a gurgling sound--and then profound and solemn silence resumed its reign. * * * * * One more unfortunate, Weary of breath, Rashly importunate, Gone to her death! * * * * * The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch Of the black flowing river; Mad from life's history, Glad to death's mystery, Swift to be hurl'd-- Any where, any where Out of the world! In she plunged boldly, No matter how coldly The rough river ran-- Over the brink of it, Picture it--think of it, Dissolute Man! * * * * * Owning her weakness, Her evil behaviour! And leaving, with meekness, Her sins to her Saviour! CHAPTER XXIX _Wherein one of the Characters in this Drama maketh a sudden and rapid exit from the stage._