t should be seen and recognized by Frederick Fanning's widow.

But the next day was Sunday, and Mrs. Grey went to church, taking Emma's
letter in her pocket.

Usually she avoided Alden Lytton on these occasions, refraining even
from looking toward him during the church service or afterward, for she
did not wish him to suppose that she _sought_ his notice.

But now she had a fair and good excuse for speaking to him; so when the
service was over and the congregation was leaving the church she waited
at the door of her pew until Alden passed by, when she said, very meekly
and coolly:

"Mr. Lytton, may I speak with you a moment?"

"Certainly, madam," said Alden, stopping at once.

"I have a letter from dearest Emma, but I can not answer it. Ah, my poor
crippled finger! Would you be so very kind as to write and tell my
darling that I have received it and how much I thank her? And here;
perhaps, as you are to acknowledge the letter for me, you had better
read it. There is really nothing in it that a mutual friend may not
see," she said, drawing the letter from her pocket and putting it into
his hand.

"Certainly, madam, if you wish me to do so; certainly, with much
pleasure," answered Alden Lytton, with more warmth than he had intended;
because, in truth, he was beginning to feel delight in every subject
that concerned Emma Cavendish, and he was now especially pleased with
having the privilege of reading her letter and the duty of acknowledging
it.

"Many thanks! You are very kind! Good-morning," said Mary Grey, with
discreet coolness, as she passed on before him to leave the church.

"Step number two! I shall soon have him in my power again!" chuckled the
coquette, as she walked down the street toward her dwelling.

For Mary Grey had utterly misinterpreted the warmth of Alden Lytton's
manner in acceding to her request. It never entered her mind to think
that this warmth had anything to do with the idea of Emma Cavendish. She
was much too vain to be jealous.

She did not really think that there was a man in the world who could
withstand her charms, or a woman in the world who could become her
rival.

And certainly her personal experience went far to confirm her in that
vain theory. Therefore she did not fear Emma Cavendish as a rival.

And while she did not dare to write to Blue Cliffs, she did not hesitate
to make Alden Lytton the medium of communication with Emma Cavendish.

Her other lover, the counterpart