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 claimed, "You are come then, come from the realms of bliss, for the purpose of summoning my soul to that tribunal where it must answer for all its crimes?"

"I know not what you mean (said Madeline, endeavouring to raise her head, and support it upon her breast); the voice of distress drew me to this apartment, not from idle curiosity, but from a hope of being serviceable to the person from whom it proceeded; and my motive will I trust excuse any intrusion I may appear guilty of."

"From whence, or from whom do you come?" demanded the unhappy woman.

"Alas! (replied Madeline), I have neither strength nor spirits now to enable me to relate my sad story; all I can tell you is, that I am an unfortunate girl, without any friend, I fear, to afford me the protection I require."

"Perhaps I may be able to serve you (said the stranger); that voice—that look—Ah! how powerfully do they plead in your