emetri threw the revolver through the open
window, and heard the splash with which it fell into the water. He drew
the stiletto from his bosom, and threw that after it. Then closing the
door lightly, and stepping still on tiptoe as though he feared to wake
that prone figure from its awful sleep, he swung himself on shore again.

'Our rustic friend,' he said to himself as he stood and looked upon
the boat, bulking black against the dull gleam of the river, like some
uncouth animal standing at the bank and peering landward with fiery
eyes, our rustic friend may not forget his prophecy.'

Therewith he went his way again, and the darkness shrouded him.

CHAPTER IV.

What should bring fashion, and wealth, and beauty in one charming person
up to London from the country at the latter end of August? The town
house long since dismantled for the grand tour now finished--the charms
of the season abandoned for peaceful Suffolk--why should Lilian care to
return thus at the fag end of London's feast of folly? Has the bronzed
and bearded Barndale anything to do with it? Lady Dives Luxor gives a
ball; and Lady Dives, being Lilian's especial patroness and guardian
angel and divinity, insists on Lilian being present thereat. This
ball is designed as the crowning festivity of a brilliant year; and
to Lilian, blest with youth and beauty and high spirits, and such a
splendid lover, shall it not be a night to remember until the grey
curtain fall on the close of the last season, and nothing is any more
remembered? But a cloud of sadness settles on Lilian's charming face
when she misses the bronzed and bearded. Lady Dives knows all about the
engagement, and is enthusiastic over it; and, when Lilian has a second's
time to snatch an enquiry concerning the absent one, she answers, 'He
has never been near me once. I wrote him a special note, and told him
you were coming. He will be here.' So Lady Dives strives to chase the
cloud. Barndale does not come, having never, in point of fact, received
that special note which Lady Dives had despatched to him. So the ball
is a weariness, and Lilian goes back with mamma to the hotel with
quite drooping spirits. She makes excuses for the absent Barndale, but
fancies all manner of things in her feminine fashion, preferring to
believe in fevers and boat accidents and other horrors rather than think
that a valet has been lazy or a postman inaccurate.

Papa Leland, who is here to take care of his womank