When she saw her brother she related what had passed, adding; "I wish I knew how his life had been spent during all these years. He refers to temptation and crime with a shudder, from which I hope conscience is not dead." "I can tell you the general outline," was Mr. Wallingford's reply. "I passed an hour with him this morning, while Pedro was preparing his food; and he seemed relieved at being allowed to confess the depths of sin into which he had plunged." "Has he formed any other tie?" she asked in some confusion. "No, he says he could not legally. By our laws, though you are released from him, he is still bound to you." "Edward. Is this true?" She shook from head to foot. "A short time before he received the paper I forwarded," continued the gentleman; "he met a lady from New York who had frequently seen you in that city. Knowing nothing of the relation existing between you, she was enthusiastic in her praise, commenting warmly on your brilliancy in conversation, etc., etc.; adding that your beauty, grace, and accomplishments made you the centre of attraction wherever you went. Finding him greatly interested she went on to say that there were circumstances in your life connected with a lady, Miss Gilbert, who accompanied you into society which reflected greatly to your credit,—stating that you married when a mere child, but regretting your want of education had spent every possible moment in making up your deficiencies in the hope of keeping the respect, as well as affection of your husband, who was a professional man." "Paul says when he heard all this, the scales fell from his eyes. When once they were opened, he wondered at his blindness; and nothing but the recollection of the shameful life he had led, kept him from returning to New York, throwing himself at your feet, confessing his crimes, and begging your forgiveness. While pride and affection, which had revived in full force, were struggling in his breast, he heard, first, by the printed report; and, afterwards through his sister Anna, that the law had made you free."