Having received satisfactory answers to all questions the magistrate laid the deed open before Alice, for her signature. General Garnet dipped a pen in ink and handed it to her. Alice received it, smilingly, and in a clear, unfaltering hand, wrote her name at the bottom of that deed, that conferred upon her husband immense wealth and left herself penniless. The lawyer affixed his signature, as witness. Judge Wylie, with a deep groan, wrote his name. The squire performed his part, and the business was complete. Alice looked up into General Garnet’s face, with an expression that said—“Now have you proved me sufficiently? Now will you confide in me? Will you love me?” General Garnet stooped down and whispered to her: “Retire immediately to your chamber, Alice!” “But—Elsie—tell me of her?” “Retire to your chamber, instantly, Mrs. Garnet!—and await me there! I must offer these gentlemen something to drink, and dismiss them; immediately after which, I will come to you, and tell you all that I have done, and all that I intend to do!” said General Garnet, in a tone of authority and impatience, that would brook no opposition or delay. And Alice, courtesying slightly to the party, withdrew. CHAPTER XXV. LIFE’S STORM AND SOUL’S SHELTER. Go, when the hunter’s hand hath wrung From forest cave her shrieking young, And calm the lonely lioness— But chide not—mock not my distress. _—Byron._ Alice retired to her chamber and waited restlessly. An hour passed, and still she heard no sound of departing guests. It was quite dark and she rang the bell. Milly entered with lights. “Tea is ready to go on the table, Miss Ally. Shall we put it up?” “Where is your master? What is he doing?” “He is in the library, ma’am, with the gentlemen. They don’t seem to have any notion of going home. General Garnet—he sent for more wine, and ordered deviled turkey and scalloped crabs—two other gentlemen have come in, and they are all very high upon pullyticks.” Alice heard and sighed deeply. “So I thought, Miss Ally, how you’d like your cup of tea, anyhow. Shall I set the table as usual? Though it will be very lonesome for you to sit at the table all alone, now that Miss Elsie is gone, and marster’s engaged. Or else shall I bring you a cup of tea up here, with anything else you would like? There is some cold fowl in the pantry, and some neat’s tongue, too; shall I bring it up to you, with a cup of tea?” “No, Milly. Perhaps the general would like supper got for his guests. Come with me; I will go down and see.” “God bless your soul, Miss Ally, honey, they’s been a stuffing ever since they’s been here.” “No matter for that, Milly; you know our gentlemen have infinite gastronomic capacities.” “My Gor A’mighty, Miss Ally! you don’t say so. Is it catching?” “What?”