r you say that," observed
Malcolm.

"You were aware of my impulsive disposition," returned Elizabeth with
another laugh. "But she is simply the most beautiful creature I ever
saw in my life. All the time I was listening to her I thought of all
those fair women the old patriarchs loved--Sarah and Rebekah and
Rachel; but I think she is most like Rebekah."

"I daresay you are right there," replied Malcolm coolly--"I can imagine
myself that Leah Jacobi would be equally clever at deception."

"For shame, Mr. Herrick!" in an indignant tone; "you know I did not
mean that. I was thinking of the young Rebekah at the well at Damascus."

"It was too bad of me," he returned apologetically; "but of course I
understood what you meant. There is a strange fascination about Miss
Jacobi. It is not only her beauty, though that is undeniable."

"No, indeed," exclaimed Elizabeth eagerly; "but one can hardly say
where the charm lies; but the moment I saw her deep-set, melancholy
eyes, and heard her low, vibrating voice, I seemed to lose my heart to
her. Poor dear Cedric, how could he help loving her?--how could any man
resist her?" But Elizabeth checked herself as she became aware of
Malcolm's keen, penetrating glance.

"You surely do not wish him to marry her?" he asked in a low voice.
Then Elizabeth looked quite shocked.

"Mr. Herrick-our brother-Cedric; no, a thousand times no; neither would
she marry him now. But oh, how my heart aches for her!"

"You need not tell me that."

"We were up half the night talking," she went on, "and she told me
everything--everything," and here Elizabeth positively shuddered. "Oh,
why are such things allowed? What a mystery life is! Mrs. Godfrey was
with us at first, and then the Colonel carried her off; but I heard the
clock strike three before I left Leah's room, and then I could not
sleep a wink for thinking over some of the horrible scenes she had
described."

"I wish she had not told you," murmured Malcolm. Elizabeth smiled a
little sadly.

"It will not hurt me, and I shall be able to help her better. Mr.
Herrick, Dinah agrees with me that we must never lose sight of her. I
told Mrs. Godfrey so. Oh, that was a masterly stroke of policy, taking
the poor thing to the Manor House. Mrs. Godfrey is so clever--she has
an idea already. Did you ever see Mrs. Richardson, who lives in the red
house on the road to Combe--Sandy Hollow, I think they call it?"

"Do you mean that very eccentric old lad