And he entered, followed by the Padre, who ground his teeth with
mortification.

An hour later they stood again on the threshold in earnest converse,
not perceiving the dark form which fled, on the reopening of the door,
to the old hiding-place. They turned to go in different directions;
the stranger stopped, and calling to the Padre, desired him to keep
well the secret, and in no way divulge a breath of their conference.

"It could not be in safer hands," was answered back, and they parted.

A low, bitter laugh escaped Inez's lips as, waiting till it was safe
to venture forth, she rose from the chapperal and hastened homeward.

"Padre, cunning though you are, we are well mated; there are few like
unto you and me."




CHAPTER XXIII.

"I simply tell thee peril is at hand,
And would preserve thee!"

BYRON.

Two days later the cousins sat in their front room, Florence intently
reading, Mary watching beside the couch of pain, bathing her aunt's
brow, and chafing the hands. Aunt Lizzy was suffering from violent