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"I was much engaged that day, and could not complete my letter

that night. I rose long before my usual time next morning to

finish it. It was the last day of the year. The letter was lying

before me just completed, when I was told that a lady waited, who

wished to see me.

*****

"I am growing more and more unequal to the task I have set

myself. It is so cold, so dark, my senses are so benumbed, and

the gloom upon me is so dreadful.

"The lady was young, engaging, and handsome, but not marked for

long life. She was in great agitation. She presented herself to

me as the wife of the Marquis St. Evremonde. I connected the

title by which the boy had addressed the elder brother, with the

initial letter embroidered on the scarf, and had no difficulty in

arriving at the conclusion that I had seen that nobleman very

lately.