There was an universal sentiment of deep sympathy with the female prisoner, throughout the court; and the worthy alderman himself was affected. "You must remember," he said, in a kind tone, "that anything which you admit here, may be used against you elsewhere." "I am anxious to confess all that I have done, and all that I know," cried the lady; "and in so doing, I shall in some measure atone for the enormity of my guilt, which I now view in its true light!" "Under these circumstances," said the alderman, "let the case stand over until to-morrow." The prisoners were then removed. In another hour they were inmates of the Giltspur-street Compter. And how terminated the 26th of November for Walter Sydney? Instead of being in possession of an ample fortune, and about to visit a clime where she hoped to enjoy all the blessings of domestic tranquillity, and the charms of rural bliss, she found herself a prisoner, charged with a crime of deep dye! Oh! what a sudden reverse was this! Still, upon that eventful day, there was one hope of hers fulfilled. She threw aside her masculine attire, and assumed the garb adapted to her sex. A messenger was despatched to the villa, to communicate the sad tidings of the arrest to Louisa, and procure suitable clothing for her wretched mistress. But, alas! that garb in which she had so ardently desired to appear again, was now doomed to be worn, for the first time, in a prison:--the new epoch of her life, which was to be marked by a return to feminine habits, was commenced in a dungeon! Still that new period had begun; and from henceforth we shall know her only by her real name of Eliza Sydney. CHAPTER XXXI. EXPLANATIONS. With the greatest forethought and the best taste, Louisa had forwarded to her mistress the most simple and unassuming garb which the boudoir contained, amongst its miscellaneous articles of female attire. Dressed in the garments which suited her sex, Eliza was a fine and elegant woman--above the common female height, yet graceful in her deportment, and charming in all her movements. Her shoulders possessed that beautiful slope, and the contours of her bust were modelled in that ample and voluptuous mould, which form such essential elements of superb and majestic loveliness. Although so long accustomed to masculine attire, there was nothing awkward--nothing constrained in her gait; her step was free and light, and her pace short, as if that exquisitely turned ankle, and long narrow foot had never known aught save the softest silken hose, and the most delicate prunella shoes. In a word, the beauty of Eliza Sydney was of a lofty and imposing order;--a pale high brow, melting hazel eyes, a delicately-chiselled mouth and nose, and a form whose matured expansion and height were rendered more commanding by its exquisite symmetry of proportions.