“I have every reason to believe that Geoffrey Westbourne, about this time, made attempts upon my life.  He was, however, very careful of his reputation, and had to be exceedingly circumspect in his movements.  But I foiled him on every occasion.  Then I fell sick, and lay for weeks unconscious.  I had the cruelest treatment during my entire illness, and it was only God’s mercy that at length restored me again to something like health, in opposition to every effort of my enemy’s.  It left me almost a confirmed invalid.  Before strangers, I had every care and attention, and when I was ready to sit up, many friends called to inquire about my health.  As soon as I became convalescent, I had resolved to appeal to my friends for aid and sympathy, but I now saw that it would be impossible.  Had I opened my lips upon the subject, my nearest friends would have at once been convinced that my sickness had alienated my reason.  My husband was apparently filled with the deepest anxiety and solicitude for my recovery, and appearences I felt to be against me.  I hoped, though, that there would be a cessation from all persecution, at least for a time.  But this was not to be.

“‘You are evidently a great deal better, Mrs. Westbourne!’ my husband said to me, one evening, when we were alone together.

“‘Yes, thank God!’ I exclaimed fervently, ’I am now nearly restored to health again.’

“‘You do well to thank God, and not me,’ he said with a withering sneer, ‘you owe me no gratitude for the same.’

“‘How you must hate me!’ I said, trembling at his tones.

“‘Hate you!’ he replied, with his face to the very lips livid with passion, ’if I could strike you out of existence this moment, as you sit there, I would be almost willing to serve a score of years for the privilege, and even submit to bear the felon’s brand upon my person, through the remainder of my life.  You are a clog and an impediment in the way of my happiness, the one encumbrance to be got rid of at any sacrifice.  It shall be done!  I swear it shall be done, if the heavens fall and the earth rocks to its foundations!’

“‘What shall I do?’ Oh, what shall I do?’ I cried helplessly.

“‘Do!’ he hissed, ’listen to me.  A short time ago I was so weary of you, that, with hardly a reason I sought to rid myself of your presence.  I then proposed a separation upon any terms that pleased you, not thinking it likely that I should ever marry again.  I would have been generous then, had you yielded to my wishes.  Since then the aspect of affairs have changed.  I have met the woman whom I have willed shall rule over this house in your place.  She is gloriously beautiful, proud as a queen and as rich.  I desire to appear to the best advantage before her, and I shall not scruple at the means.  I want all the world to think that I am an injured husband.’

“’Perhaps you have forgotten your old friend Halleck.  He called often during your illness, to inquire after you, and manifested much interest in your case.  I learned that he was quite attentive to you during my absence last summer.  You see you have been thoughtless enough to give me just the advantage I wanted, Mrs. Westbourne, and I can bring a dozen witnesses to prove your infidelity, when I want them.