impossible old dress? Tell us about her, Mr. Derringham. Does she live
with those prehistoric ladies all alone in that haunted house? Could
anything be so mysterious and romantic? Please tell us all you know."

"Yes, she does, I believe," John Derringham said. "My old master tells
me she never sees or speaks to anyone from one year's end to another. I
have only met her very rarely myself."

"Does it not seem too awful?" returned Cora, aghast, thinking of her own
merry, enjoyable life, with every whim gratified. "To be so young and
attractive and actually buried alive! Don't you think she is a dream,
Arabella?"

"I was greatly impressed with her distinction and charm," Miss Clinker
said. "I wish we could do something for her to make things brighter."

"Let us ask Cis--" and then Miss Lutworth paused, returning to her first
thought--she knew her hostess well. No, it could not bring any pleasure
into the life of this slender, lithe English lady with the wonderful
Greek name, to be made acquainted with Cecilia Cricklander, who would
tear her to pieces without compunction the moment she understood in what
direction John Derringham's eyes would probably be cast. He saw Cora's
hesitation and understood, and was grateful.

"I believe this girl is trumps. I don't think she will even mention our
meeting," he said to himself.

Now for a few steps Miss Lutworth drew Arabella Clinker on ahead.

"Arabella, you dear," she whispered, "I don't want to say a word against