"When have you seen Count L'Estrange ?" "Not since yesterday, madame." "Beware of him! Do you know who he is, Leoline ?" "I know nothing of him but his name." "Then do not seek to know," said La Masque, emphatically.

"For it is a secret you would tremble to hear.

And now I must leave you.

Come with me to the door, and fasten it as soon as I go out, lest you should forget it altogether." Leoline, with a dazed expression, thrust the precious little casket into the bosom of her dress, and taking up the lamp, preceded her visitor down stairs.

At the door they paused, and La Masque, with her hand on her arm, repeated, in a low, earnest voice, "Leoline, beware of Count L'Estrange, and become Lady Kingsley as soon as you can." "I will hear that name to-morrow!" thought Leoline, with a glad little thrill at her heart, as La Masque flitted out into the moonlight.
Leoline closed and locked the door, driving the bolts into their sockets, and making all secure.