the slighting words accidentally
overheard.

Swiftly the days went by, bringing callers to see 'Lina; Ellen Tiffton,
who received back her jewelry, never guessing that the bracelet she
clasped upon her arm was not the same lent so many months ago. Ellen was
to be bridesmaid, inasmuch as Alice preferred to be more at liberty, and
see that matters went on properly. This brought Ellen often to Spring
Bank, and as 'Lina was much with her, Alice was left more time to think.
Adah's continued silence with regard to Dr. Richards had troubled her at
first, but now she felt relieved. 'Lina had stated distinctly that ere
coming to Kentucky, he was going to Terrace Hill, and Adah's last letter
had said the same. She would see him then, and if--if he were
George--alas! for the unsuspecting girl who fluttered gayly in the midst
of her bridal finery, and wished the time would come when she could
"escape from that hole, and go back to dear, delightful Fifth Avenue
Hotel."

The time which hung so heavily upon her hands was flying rapidly, and at
last only one week intervened ere the eventful day. Hugh had gone down
to Frankfort on some errand for 'Lina, and as he passed the
penitentiary, he thought, as he always did now, of the convict Sullivan.
Was he there still, and if so, why could he not see him face to face,
and question him of the past?

Three hours later and Hugh Worthington was confronting the famous negro
stealer, who gave him back glance for glance, and stood as unflinchingly
before him as if there were upon his conscience no Adah Hastings, who,
by his connivance, had been so terribly wronged. At the mention of her
name, however, his bold assurance left him. There was a quivering of
the muscles about his mouth, and his whole manner was indicative of
strong emotion as he asked if Hugh knew aught of her since that fatal
night, and then listened while Hugh told what he knew and where she had
gone.

"To Terrace Hill--into the Richards family; this was no chance
arrangement?" and the convict spoke huskily, asking next for the doctor;
and still Hugh did not suspect the magnitude of the plot, and answered
by telling how Dr. Richards was coming soon to make 'Lina his wife.

Hugh was not looking at his companion then, or he would have been
appalled by the livid, fearful expression which for an instant flashed
on his face. Accustomed to conceal his feelings, the convict did so now;
and asked calmly when the wedding would take pl