“‘I am glad to hear it,’ I said; ’did you know that the Prince has discovered her, and has just sent me for her?’

“Her large black eyes fairly blazed.

“‘Who has told him of her?’ she asked, fiercely, and her voice rose high and shrill.

“‘Your enemy, Miss Celestine,’ I replied.  ‘I suspected as much,’ she said.

“‘’I need not tell you,’ I said, ’that Celestine’s motive was to supplant and humble you.’

“‘I understand that,’ she replied, and her hands twitched nervously, as if she would like to encounter her foe.

“‘Now let me ask you another question,’ I continued.  ’Would you not be glad to see Estella safely out of this house?’

“‘Indeed I would,’ she replied, eagerly.

“‘If I place my life in your hands, will you be true to me?’ I asked.

“She took me earnestly by the hand, and replied: 

“’Neither in life nor in death will I betray you.,

“‘Then,’ said I, ’I will tell you that Estella has friends who are as anxious to get her away from this place as you are.  They have arranged to come for her on Monday night next.  You must help me to protect her from the Prince in the meantime, and to facilitate her escape when the time comes.’

“‘I will do so,’ she said; ‘tell me what I can do now?’

“‘Make yourself very entertaining to the Prince,’ I replied, ’and keep his thoughts away from the stranger.  Estella pleads sickness and keeps her room; and we may be able to protect her in that way until the fateful night arrives.  And remember,’ I said, touching her upon the breast and looking earnestly into her eyes, for I have little faith in such natures, ’that I am a member of a great secret society, and if any mishap were to happen to me, through your agency, your own life would pay the immediate forfeit.’

“She shrank back affrighted, and assured me again of her good faith.  And as she desires to be quit of Estella, I think she will not betray us.”

“SUNDAY EVENING, seven o’clock.

“I resume my narrative.  I have gone through dreadful scenes since I laid down my pen.

“This afternoon about five o’clock the Prince rang for me.

“‘Bring Estella,’ he said.

“I went at once to her room.  I found her looking paler than usual.  She had the appearance of one that had not slept.

“‘Estella,’ I said, ’the Prince has again sent for you.  I shall return and make the same excuse.  Do not worry—­all will be well.  We are one day nearer your deliverance.’

“I returned and told the Prince that Estella was even worse than the day before; that she had a high fever; and that she apologized for not obeying his summons; but that she hoped by to-morrow to be well enough to pay her respects to him.

“He was in one of his sullen fits.  I think Frederika had been overdoing her blandishments, and he had become suspicious; for he is one of the most cunning of men.