circumstances, that the
performance would be a great success.

"Now comes a question," said Jim, "as to scenery, properties, and
dresses. There is some little scenery in the granary that has been used
before at different times, and of course we have a certain amount of
properties. What shall you want, Miss Sylla?" and Jim, taking a sheet of
paper and pencil in a very business-like manner, prepared to make notes
on the top of the piano.

"For the first charade," said Sylla, "the scenery should be a wood scene,
and then we want a lady's bed-chamber. The second charade is simply a
drawing-room scene all through. For properties a brace of pistols, a
pair of handcuffs, a jewel-box with plenty of bracelets, rings, &c.--we
ladies can easily find those amongst us. In the second, nothing but a
letter in bold handwriting. As for dresses, Mrs. Sartoris and I can
easily manage; and as for you gentlemen, you want nothing but a
policeman's dress, a livery, and a low comedy wig."

"No trouble about any of those things, Miss Sylla, unless it's the low
comedy wig, and about that I have my doubts. However, Beauchamp must
manage the best he can with his own hair if I can't find one. There is
only one thing more you forgot to tell us,--what the second word is."

"No forgetfulness at all, Captain Bloxam," replied the young lady,
laughing. "I am very curious to see if any of you, or any of the
audience, make that word out."

"It's high time we were on our way home," observed Miss Chipchase; "as
soon as you have given us a cup of tea, Jim, Sylla, and I will be off."

When the evening came there was really a good sprinkling of visitors to
look on or join in whatever entertainment might be provided for them.
Jim the energetic, in pursuance of his mother's hints overnight, had not
only sent over to the Rockcliffe Camp, but had dispatched missives in all
directions by a groom on horseback, with the pithy intimation, "Charades
and an impromptu dance this evening at nine. If you have nothing better
to do, please come." Jim Bloxam was a popular man in his neighbourhood,
and the Grange had a reputation for improvising pleasant entertainments
in such fashion. Lady Mary contemplated the forthcoming proceedings with
resignation, if not with satisfaction. She had a presentiment that the
evening would end unpleasantly for her. She felt certain that Sylla
would contrive to pose as its heroine; and that the niece of the woman
she most d