I mean to make the last and greatest sacrifice I can for you; and to save you from a crime--or, if you must share the crime, at least to screen you from punishment.

Look, here!" she added, producing a small phial.

"Bid me drink of this, and ere to-morrow you are free, and I am at rest.

Shall I do it ?" "No--no," rejoined Lord Roos, snatching the phial from her.

"Live, Bess, live!" "Am I to live for you, William ?" she cried, with inexpressible joy.
He made no answer, but averted his head.
"In mercy give me back the phial," she exclaimed, again plunged into the depths of despair.
"I must refuse your request," he replied.
"Have you done, Elizabeth ?" demanded Lady Lake, coming forth from the passage.
"A moment more, mother," cried Lady Roos.