.

THE LIFTED VEIL.
"Where is the boatman ?" asked Marie, as she followed Juliette and Barebone along the deserted jetty.

A light burnt dimly at the end of it and one or two boats must have been moored near at hand; for the water could be heard lapping under their bows, a secretive, whispering sound full of mystery.
"I am the boatman," replied Loo, over his shoulder.

"Are you afraid ?" "What is the good of being afraid ?" asked this woman of the world, stopping at the head of the steps and peering down into the darkness into which he had descended.

"What is the good of being afraid when one is old and married?
I was afraid enough when I was a girl, and pretty and coquette like Mademoiselle, here.