ABSTRACT
Before I had time to explain the dreadful event which had taken place, a messenger, out of breath with speed and terror, arrived from the village, demanding instantly to speak with Lady Aubrey. She quitted the saloon, faint and trembling. Mr. Hanbury’s fears anticipated the destruction of Isabella, and the anguish of his mind was undescribable. I still leaned upon his shoulder; I attempted to speak – my lips quivered – my voice faultered – and the fruitless effort proved, more strongly than language could have done, the torture of my soul, the magnitude of my despair.
