Dark thoughts crossed her as she gazed at the unfortunate sleeper; and moving with the utmost caution, she set the light on the table behind the curtains, and had just grasped the pillow, with the intention of plucking it from under Amabel's head, and of smothering her with it, when she felt herself restrained by a powerful grasp, and turning in utmost alarm, beheld the Earl of Rochester.
VI.
THE CERTIFICATE.
"Wretch!" cried the earl.

"An instinctive dread that you would do your poor charge some injury brought me back, and I thank Heaven I have arrived in time to prevent your atrocious purpose." "Your lordship would have acted more discreetly in staying away," replied Judith, recovering her resolution; "and I would recommend you not to meddle in the matter, but to leave it to me.

No suspicion shall alight on you, nor shall it even be known that her end was hastened.
Leave the house as secretly as you came, and proceed on your journey with a light heart.

She will never trouble you further." "What!" exclaimed Rochester, who was struck dumb for the moment by surprise and indignation, "do you imagine I would listen to such a proposal?
Do you think I would sanction her murder ?" "I am sure you would, if you knew as much as I do," replied Judith, calmly.

"Hear me, my lord," she continued, drawing him to a little distance from the bed, and speaking in a deep low tone.