Thus far all It was a delicious morning in May, and the sun shone brightly on his gorgeous equipage, as Auriol drove to Saint George's, Hanover Square, where he was united to Edith. seemed auspicious, and he thought he could now bid defiance to fate. With the object of his love close beside him, and linked to him by the strongest and holiest ties, it seemed impossibl she could be snatched from him. Nothing occurred during th morning to give him uneasiness, and he gave orders that a can riage and four should be ready an hour before midnight, t convey him and his bride to Richmond, where they were t spend their honeymoon. Night came, and with it began to arrive the guests who wer bidden to the ball. No expense had been spared by Auriol t give splendour to his fête. It was in all respects magnificent The amusements of the evening commenced with a concert which was performed by the first singers from the Italian Opera after which, the ball was opened by Auriol and his lovely bride As soon as the dance was over, Auriol made a sign to a attendant, who instantly disappeared. "Are you prepared to quit this gay scene with me, Edith ?" h asked, with a heart swelling with rapture. "Quite so," she replied, gazing at him with tenderness. long to be alone with you." Edith arose, and passing her arm under that of her husband they quitted the ball-room, but in place of descending the prin cipal staircase, they took a more private course. The hall they were obliged to cross, and which they entere side door, was spacious and beautifully proportioned adorned with numerous statues on pedestals. The ceilin ,decorated with fresco paintings, and supported by tw scagliola pillars. From between these, a broad staircas marble ascended to the upper room. As Auriol ha the staircase was thronged with guests ascending to th doors of which being open, afforded glimpses o and gave forth strains of liveliest music. Anxiou ly-arrived party in the hall, Auriol and his brid ment near a pillar. as a tall man, with a siniste habited entirely in black, moved from the sion passed through Auriol's frame. H |