Approach me not--approach me not--let me perish, rather! O God--my uncle, let him come not near me, if you would not see me die upon the spot!" she exclaimed, in the most terrified manner, and with a shuddering horror, as Rivers, toward the conclusion of her speech, had approached her with the, view to an answer.

To her uncle she again addressed herself, with an energy which gave additional emphasis to her language:-- "Uncle--you are my father now--you will not forget the dying prayer of a brother! My prayer is his.

Keep that man from me--let me not see him--let him come not near me with his polluted and polluting breath! You know not what he is--you know him but as a stabber--as a hater--as a thief! But were my knowledge yours--could I utter in your ears the foul language, the fiend-threatenings which his accursed lips uttered in mine!--but no--save me from him is all I ask--protect the poor orphan--the feeble, the trampled child of your brother! Keep me from the presence of that bad man!" As she spoke, she sank at the feet of the person she addressed, her hands were clasped about his knees, and she lay there shuddering and shrinking, until he lifted her up in his arms.

Somewhat softened by his kindness of manner, the pressure upon her brain of that agony was immediately relieved, and a succession of tears and sobs marked the diminished influence of her terrors.

But, as Rivers attempted something in reply, she started-- "Let me go--let me not hear him speak! His breath is pollution--his words are full of foul threats and dreadful thoughts.