of the front door, and, not knowing where to take shelter, she
crept into the darkness of an adjoining bedroom, and there awaited events
with a palpitating heart.

Meanwhile the two men remaining in the sitting-room drew nearer to each
other, and the opera-singer broke the silence by saying, 'How could you
insult me in the way you did, calling me a fellow, and accusing me of
poisoning her mind toward you, when you knew very well I was as ignorant
of your relation to her as an unborn babe?'

'Oh yes, you were quite ignorant; I can believe that readily,' sneered
Laura's husband.

'I here call Heaven to witness that I never knew!'

'Recitativo--the rhythm excellent, and the tone well sustained. Is it
likely that any man could win the confidence of a young fool her age, and
not get that out of her? Preposterous! Tell it to the most improved new
pit-stalls.'

'Captain Northbrook, your insinuations are as despicable as your wretched
person!' cried the baritone, losing all patience. And springing forward
he slapped the captain in the face with the palm of his hand.

Northbrook flinched but slightly, and calmly using his handkerchief to
learn if his nose was bleeding, said, 'I quite expected this insult, so I
came prepared.' And he drew forth from a black valise which he carried
in his hand a small case of pistols.

The baritone started at the unexpected sight, but recovering from his
surprise said, 'Very well, as you will,' though perhaps his tone showed a
slight want of confidence.

'Now,' continued the husband, quite confidingly, 'we want no parade, no
nonsense, you know. Therefore we'll dispense with seconds?'

The signor slightly nodded.

'Do you know this part of the country well?' Cousin James went on, in the
same cool and still manner. 'If you don't, I do. Quite at the bottom of
the rocks out there, just beyond the stream which falls over them to the
shore, is a smooth sandy space, not so much shut in as to be out of the
moonlight; and the way down to it from this side is over steps cut in the
cliff; and we can find our way down without trouble. We--we two--will
find our way down; but only one of us will find his way up, you
understand?'

'Quite.'

'Then suppose we start; the sooner it is over the better. We can order
supper before we go out--supper for two; for though we are three at
present--'

'Three?'

'Yes; you and I and she--'

'Oh yes.'

'--We shall be only two by and by; so that,