"Murder. It was in the first degree. The Governor commuted it to imprisonment for life. There were extenuating circumstances. I went down on my knees and prayed that he might be saved from the gallows." "And his victim?" "Was his wife--my mother." CHAPTER IV. A MYSTERY AND A PARTING. The troupe of which Miss De Montague and Mr. Bellario were prime spirits made a profound impression at Bullion Flat; so profound, in truth, that before their three nights were over a fresh engagement was made for their return a fortnight later. It was agreed that at that time, and on their return from other points, they should appear for an additional three nights, and thus afford their admirers opportunities for which the first essay had been insufficient. This arrangement was highly agreeable to Miss De Montague and Mr. Bellario for reasons largely connected, respectively, with the excellent cuisine and bar of the Bella Union. "Why, my dear," observed the lady, "when I fust come up to do the 'legitimate,' fifteen months ago, love nor money could buy a morsel of supper after the play. We had to do with a pot of ginger, and dig it out with the Macbeth daggers, and wash it down with bad beer." The arrangement was also satisfactory to Miss Tinsel. It seemed well to her that she should be absent for a time; and yet she could not deny a feeling of joy over the thought of returning. Her lover had been greatly shocked by the dismal tale she had recited; but, to the credit of his manliness, he had refused to accept the facts as conclusive arguments against his suit. "Was it her fault," argued he, "that her father was a scoundrel?" Why should stigma or disability of any sort attach to her for that which she had no hand in, and had been powerless to prevent? On the contrary, should not the world, or any part of it that might come in contact with her, treat a helpless and innocent girl with even greater tenderness and commiseration because of the undeserved and terrible misfortune that had befallen her?