'This question embarrassed me, and I was conning an answer, when Adéle resumed: ''Let no false delicacy restrain you; speak out, Mr. Rideau; adversity has taught me endurance, if not courage.' ''Since, madame, you absolutely extort it from me, I must admit that a few moments before he expired, Mr. Livermore--' ''Speak out, plainly; I beg of you, conceal nothing.' ''Well, madame, the words he used were: 'I destroy these papers because they were bought with blood. Ten months ago General Ramiro died, at New-Orleans, by poison--poison administered by Adéle!'' ''Poor Arthur! what agony he must have suffered--he must have been delirious. O Arthur! why was I not beside you? Poor Arthur!' As she uttered these words, she raised her streaming eyes to heaven; her lips moved as if in prayer, and a deadly pallor overspread her countenance. 'In a short time her fortitude returned, and turning toward me, she said, in a voice which betrayed no emotion: ''Let us turn from the past and look at the present. Difficulties surround and threaten to overwhelm me. Before I can determine how they are to be met, I have a proposition to make to you, Mr. Rideau, to which I must have an immediate answer. Will you become my partner in this business?' ''Have you enough confidence in me?' ''I have; and for this reason: you have not sought to meddle in this matter, but from the outset have striven to shun it; you have not obtruded yourself, but been drawn into it in spite of your wishes. Do you accept my proposition? Yes, or no?' ''I accept,' I replied, moderating my joyful feelings as well as I possibly could. ''Such being your decision, what course do you advise?' ''Immediate action, for minutes are precious.' ''I foresee we shall agree perfectly. To-day my host purposes starting for the capital; I shall accompany him. If you return without delay, the remainder of the day will suffice to prepare for the journey, and to-morrow we will start for the opal-mine.' ''But where shall I meet you, madame?' ''At the Hotel de las Diligencias.' ''And where shall I find Pepito?' ''At a tavern near the Barrier del Nino Perdido. But you will not, if you please, inform him of my address. For--well, it is an unpleasant matter to mention--but this Pepito seems to be--' ''Desperately in love with you.' ''I hardly meant that--but his attentions are too oppressive to be quite agreeable.' ''I fully understand you, madame. May I inquire if you have had any tidings of Mr. Percival?' ''Do not, I beg, Mr. Rideau, allude to that painful topic--all feelings of resentment are hushed in the grave.' ''What! have you heard of his assassination?' '' Yes; the news reached me yesterday; I read it in the newspaper.' 'I shortly afterward took my leave--the last words of my new copartner being: ''At five, then, at the Hotel de las Diligencias. Be sure you are punctual.'