So saying, she seized a knotted cord that lay beside her, and struck herself with it: Madeline instantly sprung forward—"Have mercy upon yourself (she exclaimed, as she caught her emaciated hand); God only requires real contrition as an atonement for error." The miserable wretch looked wildly at her for a moment; then uttering a piercing shriek, she convulsively wrested her hand from her and fell fainting on the floor.
The situation of Madeline was distressing in the extreme; she feared calling for assistance, lest the knowledge of her having discovered the miserable object before her should be productive of unpleasant consequences; and yet she feared her own efforts would never recover her. She knelt down and chafed her temples; but it was many minutes ere she showed any signs of returning life. At length opening her eyes, she again fastened them upon Madeline with the wildest expression of fear, and in a feeble voice ex-
