ke them to be lovers in
mystery now, if I did not know them to be Mr. Berners and Mrs.
Blondelle," persisted Beatrix, all unconscious of the blows she was
raining upon Sybil's overburdened heart. "However," she added, "I shall
keep out of the way of both, for if _he_ knew your disguise, be sure
that _she_ knew it also; and of course both, in daily intercourse with
you, know your voice equally well. And if either of them should take me
for you and speak to me for you, and I should attempt to reply, I should
be sure to betray myself. So I will keep away from both, if I can. If
not, if they should come suddenly upon me and speak to me, I shall not
answer, but shall turn around and walk silently away as if I were
offended with them."

"Yes, do that; that will be excellent," assented Sybil.

"And now, how are you going to support my character, or rather my
disguise?" inquired Beatrix.

"By being very silent and demure as Janet Foster; or, if need should be,
by carrying on your mood of sullenness as Beatrix Pendleton, masked."

"That will do," agreed Beatrix, with a smile.

All the while they had been speaking, they had also been taking off
their fancy dresses. No time was lost, and the exchange of costume was
quickly effected.

"Now," said Sybil, "another favor."

"Name it."

"Let me go down first. Then do you wait ten minutes here before you
follow me. And when you enter the room keep away from me, as well as
from my husband and my guest."

"Very well. I will do so. Anything else?"

"Nothing now, thank you," said Sybil, kissing her hand as she left the
room.

And Sybil, dressed now in the plain, close-fitting camlet gown and prim
white linen cap, cuffs, and collar of the Puritan maid, and with a pale,
young looking mask on her face, reentered the saloon to try her
experiment.

She looked around, and soon saw her husband and her rival sitting
side-by-side, on the little retired sofa in the corner. They were
absorbed in each other's attractions, and did not see her. She glided
cautiously into a seat near them.

They were sitting very close together, talking in a very low tone. Her
hand rested in his. At length, Sybil heard her inquire:

"Where is your wife? I have not seen her for some time."

"She has left the room, I believe," answered Mr. Berners.

"Oh, that is such a relief! Do you know that I am really afraid of her?"

"Afraid of her! why? With me you are always perfectly safe. Safe!" he
repeated,