Yes--that learned and talented divine, who had so often denounced the sins and follies of the fashionable world, and declaimed particularly against the demoralizing influences of masquerade balls--that young and handsome preacher, whose exalted reputation for sanctity and holiness had induced the amorous Josephine and her licentious mother to suppose him inaccessible to their lustful glances, and far removed from the power of temptation--that model of purity and virtue was now present at this scene of profligate dissipation, gazing into the wanton eyes of a beautiful siren, his face flushed with excitement, and his heart palpitating with eager desire! For a few moments Josephine sat overcome by astonishment, and could not utter a single syllable. 'You seem surprised, dear lady,' said Dr. Sinclair--'may I ask if you have ever seen me before?' 'You can read in my countenance an answer to your question,' replied Josephine, taking off her mask. 'Heavens, Miss Franklin!' exclaimed the divine. It was now his turn to be astonished. 'We meet under extraordinary circumstances,' said Dr. Sinclair after a short and somewhat embarrassing pause. 'Had I known that you are one who every Sabbath sits under my ministration, no earthly consideration would have induced me to disclose myself--not even the certainty of enjoying your favors. However, you know me now, and 'tis impossible to recall the past; therefore, beautiful Miss Franklin, do not withhold from the preacher that kindness which you would have granted to the private gentleman.--Let us religiously preserve our secret from the knowledge of the world: when we meet in company, let it be with the cold formality which exists between persons who are almost strangers; but now let us revel in the joys of love.' The superb but profligate Josephine needed no urgent persuasion to induce her to become a guilty participator in a criminal _liaison_ with the handsome young rector whom she had so long regarded with the eyes of desire;--_hers_ was the conquest, that unprincipled lady of fashion; and _he_ was the victim, that recreant fallen minister of the gospel. Humbled and conscience-stricken, Dr. Sinclair left Livingston House and returned to his own luxurious but solitary home; while Josephine was driven in her carriage to Franklin House, the flush of triumph on her cheeks and her proud, guilty heart reeling with exultation. CHAPTER XI _The Condemnation to Death--the Burglar's Confession and Awful Fate in the Iron Coffin._