THE FLORAL TELEGRAPH. 103 
Just as I was again commencing my 
usual consolatory phrase, “ Madam, 
I am truly sorry ”— she started erect 
from her recumbent position, and 
with a wild spirit in her eyes she thus 
continued : 
“ It was my error, it was mine ! 
I slew them, my beloved children. 
What had I to do to prompt them 
to write letters ! But my repentance 
has been severe, my penance bitter. 
“As the beautiful in death lay 
beneath the eye of the murderers, 
the horror-stricken father exclaimed, 
4 My God, my God ! have mercy 
upon my soul! for I have slain my 
daughter! ’ and the stupified Ed- 
