Judith watched him carefully, and when his back was turned, drew a small lancet, and affecting to arrange her dress, slightly punctured Amabel's neck.

The pain was trifling, but the poor girl uttered a cry.
"What is the matter ?" cried the earl, turning suddenly round.
"Nothing--nothing," replied Judith; "a pin in my sleeve pricked her as I was fastening her cap, that was all.

Her death is certain," she added to herself, "she is inoculated with the plague-venom." She then went to the chest, and replacing everything within it, removed it, by the help of the Earl of Rochester, into the adjoining room.

"I will send for it at midnight," she said.
"It shall be delivered to your messenger," rejoined the earl; "but you will answer for Chowles's secrecy ?" "I will," returned Judith, with a meaning smile.

"But you may take my word for it you will not be troubled long with your wife.