. I can come to
you in the afternoon, if you think Tuesday a good day."

'"Thank you, dear Monica. I shall be, I trust, enlightened by that day as
to my enemies' plans. It is a humiliating confession, Monica, but I am past
feeling that. It is quite possible that an execution may be sent into
this house to-morrow, and an end of all my schemes. It is not likely,
however--hardly possible--before three weeks, my attorney tells me. I shall
hear from him to-morrow morning, and then I shall ask you to name a very
early day. If we are to have an unmolested fortnight certain, you shall
hear, and name your own day."

'Then he asked me who had accompanied me, and lamented ever so much his not
being able to go down to receive them; and he offered luncheon, with a sort
of Ravenswood smile, and a shrug, and I declined, telling him that we had
but a few minutes, and that my companions were walking in the grounds near
the house.

'I asked whether Maud was likely to return soon?

'"Certainly not before five o'clock." He thought we should probably meet
her on our way back to Elverston; but could not be certain, as she might
have changed her plans.

'So then came--no more remaining to be said--a very affectionate parting. I
believe all about his legal dangers was strictly true. How he could, unless
that horrid woman had deceived him, with so serene a countenance tell me
all those gross untruths about Maud, I can only admire.'

In the meantime, as I lay in my bed, Madame, gliding hither and thither,
whispering sometimes, listening at others, I suddenly startled them both by
saying--

'Whose carriage?'

'What carriage, dear?' inquired Quince, whose ears were not so sharp as
mine.

Madame peeped from the window.

''Tis the physician, Doctor Jolks. He is come to see your uncle, my dear,'
said Madame.

'But I hear a female voice,' I said, sitting up.

'No, my dear; there is only the doctor,' said Madame. 'He is come to your
uncle. I tell you he is getting out of his carriage,' and she affected to
watch the doctor's descent.

'The carriage is driving away!' I cried.

'Yes, it is draiving away,' she echoed.

But I had sprung from my bed, and was looking over her shoulder, before she
perceived me.

'It is Lady Knollys!' I screamed, seizing the window-frame to force it up,
and, vainly struggling to open it, I cried--

'I'm here, Cousin Monica. For God's sake, Cousin Monica--Cousin Monica!'

'You are mad, Meess--go back,' sc