ted back from Miss Arthur's dressing
glass:

"I'll put that idea into execution some nice night, and then won't
there be a row in the castle? Ah! my charming mistress, if you had
spoken one kind or regretful word for poor Madeline, it would have
been better for you!"

What was the girl meditating now? What did she mean?

"Yes, good people at Oakley, I believe I'll take a little private
amusement out of you _all_, while I feel quite in the mood. I won't be
too partial."

Then she betook herself to her own room and let her thoughts fly back
to Olive and Claire and--Clarence.

Presently, for she was very weary, spite of the previous night's
repose, she fell asleep.

Late that evening she flitted through the woods and across the meadow
to the cottage of old Hagar. Sleep had refreshed her and she had
dreamed pleasant dreams. She felt stout of heart, and firm of nerve.

Old Hagar was overjoyed to see a smile in her nursling's face, and to
hear, at times, a laugh, low and sweet, reminding her of olden days.
The girl remained with her old nurse for nearly an hour. When they
parted there was a perfect understanding between them, in regard to
future movements and plans.

No one at Oakley was aware of Lucian Davlin's flying visit; thus much
Celine knew. But of the purport and result of that visit, she knew
nothing. Nor could she guess. She must bide her time, for there seemed
just now little to disturb the monotony of waiting.

One thing was, however, necessary. When the time came for Miss Arthur
to leave Oakley, Celine must remain. To that end she must contrive to
fall out with the spinster, and "fall in" with Madame Cora. If that
lady could not be beguiled into retaining her at Oakley, she must
resort to a more hazardous scheme. She had already taken a step toward
ingratiating herself with Mrs. Arthur, and with tolerable success. She
was maturing her plans and waiting for an opportunity to put them into
action.

No doubt but that by the time she had accomplished her object, if it
could be accomplished, the opposite forces would come into conflict.

CHAPTER XXIII.

SETTING SOME SNARES.

Three days had now passed since Madeline's return from the city. On
the morning of the fourth day, she seized the first leisure moment for
a visit to the post-office. Instead of the single letter from Olive
that she had expected, she found three.

They were enclosed in one wrapper. This she removed on her way back to
Oa