yed that the retreat he had chosen was to be
invaded at that particular moment.

He drew back among the large-leaved plants, which would effectually
screen him from the intruders, and hoped that their stay would be short.

"I tell you it will be impossible for you to see her," said a voice,
which he recognized as belonging to Gerelda's maid.

"But I must," retorted another voice which sounded strangely familiar.
"Give her the note I just gave you, and I will wager you something
handsome that she will see me. My good girl, let this plead for me with
you!"

A jingle of silver accompanied the words, and Varrick could not help but
smile at the magical effect the little bribe had.

"Of course, I'll take your note to her, sir," said the girl; "but that
isn't promising she'll see you."

Somehow the idea formed itself in Varrick's mind that it was Mrs.
Northrup for whom the man asked. Had he thought for one moment that it
was Gerelda whom the man had asked for, he would have stepped forth and
inquired of him what he wanted.

In a very few moments he heard the _frou-frou_ of a woman's garments and
the patter of hurrying feet.

"Gerelda has come instead of her mother to see what this person wants,"
he thought; adding impatiently: "This will never do; we shall be late
for the train, sure. I will have to take the man off her hands."

At that instant, Gerelda, panting with excitement sprung across the
threshold of the conservatory.

From his leafy seat Varrick could hear and see all that took place,
while no one could see him.

He had risen, and was just about to step forward, when he caught sight
of Gerelda's face. The color of it held him spell-bound. It was as pale
as death, and her eyes flashed fire. She was fairly frothing at the
mouth, and the look of venomous rage that distorted her features
appalled him.

"You!" cried Gerelda. "Have you risen from the grave to confront me?"

"I am Captain Frazier--at your service, madame," returned her companion,
with a low bow. "As for my returning from the unknown shore, why, you
flatter me in imagining that I have so much power, though I have been
known to do some miraculous things before now. I am sorry that so many
of my friends believe the ridiculous story that was set afloat regarding
my supposed death. I am--"

"Why are you here? What do you want?" cried Gerelda.

"You are inclined to be brusque, my dear," he replied, tauntingly. "If
you had asked me that question