s obtained its
long sequestered property. We are to come back here together. The
future relations can be decided upon when I have satisfied my natural
affection; when your innocently besmirched record has been righted."
Hugh Johnstone's silvered head was bowed for a long interval in his
trembling hands. "You will not betray me to the authorities, when all is
done? Your lips shall be sealed as to the past?" Alixe Delavigne bowed
in silence. "Then I accept your terms upon one condition only: That
until we return from Calcutta, you will only see Nadine in my presence
or in that of Mademoiselle Delande, her governess. It is only fair. When
you have restored to me the jewels, you can then concert with me upon a
plan to enlighten Nadine, with no scandal to me, no heart-break to her.
The slightest gossip as to a family skeleton reaching the Viceroy or the
home authorities would lead to my public disgrace."

Alixe Delavigne paced the room in silence for a few moments, while Hugh
Johnstone's eyes were fixed upon the opened cabinet whence Jules Victor
had so fiercely sprung forth as a champion.

"Be it so!" sternly replied Alixe Delavigne. "And may God confound and
punish the one who breaks the pact."

"When do you wish to come? When can you go to Calcutta? I would like
to hasten matters," demanded the old nabob, with his eyes averted. The
beautiful woman paused, and after a moment replied:

"To-morrow, come here and bring me to your house to dine. This afternoon
you may call here and drive me over Delhi in your carriage. This will
set a public seal upon our acquaintance. My maid can accompany us. This
done, I will go to Calcutta with my two European servants, as you wish.
You can take the train on either the preceding or the following day. It
will avoid both spies and gossip."

"I will go before you and await you!" eagerly said Hugh Johnstone,
rising. "I will ask another person to dine with us to-morrow, and this
evening I will prepare my daughter for the dinner, so that your coming
will be no surprise to her. Shall I bring my carriage here at four
to-day?"

"I will await you," gravely said Alixe Delavigne, as she bowed in answer
to her guest's formal signal of departure.

An hour later Jules Victor reported to his mistress: "We drove to the
telegraph office, where I awaited the gentleman for some time, and then
we repaired to his home."

There was a disgruntled man whose curses upon his kinsman's changing
moods were b