"I defy any one to get in again tonight!" she said, smiling at her own dexterity; and lamp in hand, she ran lightly up stairs to read the long unsolved riddle.
So eager was she, that she had crossed the room, laid the lamp on the table, and sat down before it, ere she became aware that she was not alone.

Some one was leaning against the mantel, his arm on it, and his eyes do her, gazing with an air of incomparable coolness and ease.

It was a man this time--something more than a man,--a count, and Count L'Estrange, at that! Leoline sprang to her feet with a wild scream, a cry full of terror, amaze, and superstitious dread; and the count raised his band with a self-possessed smile.
"Pardon, fair Leoline, if I intrude! But have I not a right to come at all hours and visit my bride ?" "Leoline is no bride of yours!" retorted that young lady, passionately, her indignation overpowering both fear and surprise.

"And, what is more, never will be! Now, sir!" "So my little bird of paradise can fire up, I see! As to your being my bride, that remains to be seen.

You promised to be tonight, you know!" "Then I'll recall that promise.