costliness and splendor of many of them.  The curtains of the sick woman’s bed were of figured silk damask; and though here and there a dark spot was visible where sea-water, or some other destructive agency, had penetrated, enough still remained to vindicate the richness of the fabric and the brilliancy of the color.  The linen on the bed was of the finest texture, apparently the production of a Dutch loom, while the vessel which held her night-drink was an antique goblet, indisputably of foreign workmanship,—­its materials silver and mother-of-pearl.  Under the window, which commanded her flower garden, stood a small work-table of birds’-eye maple, which methought had once stood in the lady’s cabin of some splendidly appointed steamer.  Her wash-stand was of mahogany richly carved:  on the shelf above it stood an ebony writing-desk, inlaid with silver; below was a lady’s dressing case—­ivory—­and elaborately carved.  Two cases of foreign birds of exquisite plumage completed the decoration of the apartment.  It is true necessitous sailors and carousing smugglers might have contributed some of the costly articles I saw around me; but as I gazed on them the thought recurred, are not these the wages of iniquity?  Have they not been rifled from the grasp of the helpless, the drowning, and the dying?

“I spoke.  She was in full possession of her faculties; but manifestly near her end.  I expressed my sorrow at finding her so feeble; told her that I had readily obeyed her summons; and asked her whether I should read to her.

“‘Neither read to me,’ was her distinct reply:  ’nor pray with me; but listen to me.  They tell me I have not many hours to live.  If so, I have something to disclose; and some money which I should wish—­I should wish’—­she hesitated and became silent—­’the point is, am I beyond recovery?  If so I should desire that this money—­’

“‘Under any circumstances,’ was my reply, ‘confess all; restore all’

“She looked up quickly and said sharply; ‘Why restore?’

“‘To prove the sincerity of your regrets.’

“‘Ah, well!’ said she, thoughtfully, ’if I could only satisfy myself that recovery was impossible.  I have much to leave behind me; and there are some circumstances—­’

“She hesitated and was silent.  A minute or two elapsed and I urged—­

“‘Be candid and be just,—­make reparation while you possess the power.’

“‘You advise well,’ said she, faintly.  ’I would fain relieve my mind.  It is sorely oppressed, for with regard to my property—­my—­my savings—­’

“As she spoke there arose, close to us, clear and painfully audible, a low, mocking laugh.  It was not akin to mirth.  There was no gladness in its tone.  It betokened enmity, triumph, scorn.  The dying woman heard it, and cowered beneath its influence.  An expression of agonizing fear passed over her countenance.  Some minutes elapsed before she could sufficiently command herself to speak or even listen.