contradict that assertion, and disprove it."

"Let it be disproved now. Let the person on that couch disclose her
features, and we shall then see whether she be the Countess or Gillian."

"Ay, let her do that, my lord,--let her speak to us," urged Lady Roos.

"Diablo! how is this request to be complied with, I marvel?" said Diego
apart.

But Lord Roos was too experienced a player to be defeated by this turn
in the game.

"Gillian has already been sufficiently annoyed," he cried; "and shall
not submit to this ordeal. Besides, she has relapsed into insensibility,
as you see."

"She does what your lordship wills her, it is clear," said Lady Lake,
contemptuously. "We know what construction to put upon your refusal."

"I care not what construction you put upon it," cried Lord Roos, losing
patience. "You and Lady Roos may think what you please, and act as you
please. Enough for me, you can prove nothing."

"Why, this is more like yourself, my lord," retorted Lady Lake,
derisively. "Having thrown aside the mask, you will be spared the
necessity of further subterfuge. The Countess, doubtless, will imitate
your example, lay aside her feigned insensibility, and defy us. She need
be under no apprehension; since she has your own warrant that we can
prove nothing."

"Your purpose, I perceive, is to irritate me, Madam," cried Lord Roos,
fiercely; "and so far you are likely to succeed, though you fail in all
else. I have no mask to throw off; but if you will have me declare
myself your enemy, I am ready to do so. Henceforth, let there be no
terms kept between us--let it be open warfare."

"Be it so, my lord. And you will soon find who will be worsted in the
struggle."

"Oh, do not proceed to these fearful extremities, dear mother, and
dearest husband!" cried Lady Roos, turning from one to the other
imploringly. "Cease these provocations, I pray of you. Be friends, and
not enemies."

"As you please--peace or war; it is the same to me," said Lord Roos.
"Meantime, I am wearied of this scene, and must put an end to it.
Diego!" And beckoning his servant to him, he whispered some directions
in his ear.

"My lord shall be obeyed," said Diego, as he received his commission.
"Gillian shall be conveyed with all care to her chamber."

"We must have some proof that she has been here," thought Lady Lake.
But how to obtain it? I have it. "Take these," she added in a whisper to
her daughter, and giving a pair of scissors; "and cont