gleamed like daggers on the baronet.

But that proud face was set and rigid as stone now. He returned her
look with a haughty stare.

"It is a pity the whipping-post has been abolished," he said, harshly.
"Your impertinence makes you a fit subject for it, mistress! Take care
we don't commit you to prison as a public vagrant, and teach that
tongue of yours a little civility when addressing your betters."

"My betters!" the girl hissed, in a fierce, sibilant whisper. "Why,
yes, I suppose a daughter should look upon a father in that light. As
to the whipping-post and prison, try it at your peril! Try it, if you
dare, Sir Jasper."

Before he could speak the door opened, and Dawson entered with the
stretcher.

"Lay her upon it and remove her at once," the rector said. "Here,
Humphreys, this side. Gently, my men--gently. Be very careful on the
way."

The two men placed the seemingly lifeless form of Zenith on the
stretcher and bore her carefully away.

The daughter Zara followed.

"She will not live until to-morrow morning," the rector said; "and it
is better so, poor soul! She is evidently hopelessly insane."