emed to the latter as if she were
the victim of a horrible nightmare. She felt that she was surrounded by
unseen foes, who were gradually tightening the toils in which she and
Pattmore had become entangled. She was neither brave nor
self-sacrificing; she had a sensitive dread of exposure, trial, and
punishment, which was aggravated by a knowledge of guilt and an
uncertainty as to the extent to which she had become legally liable;
also, she had none of the spirit of devoted affection which sometimes
prompts a woman to bear the greatest hardships for the sake of the man
she loves; hence, she was ready to do anything to save herself, even at
the expense of Pattmore's life. As Lucille concluded her terrible
recital, Mrs. Thayer shrieked in an agony of remorse and fear:

"Oh, have mercy on me! I am lost! I am lost! Tell me what I can do to
escape punishment; I will obey you wholly--I will do anything you tell
me. Oh, save me, save me! I know you can if you will."

It was some time before Lucille could restore her to a quiet state of
mind, but at length her sobs ceased and Lucille continued:

"The worst is now past, and if you will return to your brother and
confess all, he will forgive you. When you are called upon to tell what
you know about this wicked man, you must do so without reserve. You will
never see him again except in prison. If you do as your brother wishes,
you will regain your light heart and sweet disposition; your real
husband will come back to you, and your future will be one of
happiness."

Mrs. Thayer sat motionless, with her face buried in her shawl;
occasionally a long, choking sob would make her whole frame quiver, but
otherwise she gave hardly a sign of life.

"Let me see your face," commanded Lucille.

As Mrs. Thayer slowly raised her tear-stained countenance, Lucille gazed
intently into her eyes, and again examined the lines of her hand; then
she went on speaking:

"There is another man near you, whose presence you do not suspect;
neither have you ever seen him; but he is watching you all the time. You
will soon meet him, for he wishes to talk with you. He is only of medium
height, but he is very well built and powerful; he has a full face,
ruddy complexion, brown hair, and gray eyes; he wears full whiskers all
around his face, and his expression is kindly but resolute. He is a very
determined man, and when he tries to do anything he never gives up
until he has accomplished his object. He has