aside the letter. Then she firmly set her teeth, and slowly nodded her
head, while for an instant a startling light gleamed from her deep black
eyes.

Her faithful attendant, while seeming to be busy arranging the flasks on
the dressing-table, furtively and anxiously watched her mistress, who at
last spoke:

"Phoebe!"

"Yes, my lady."

"Bring me a glass of wine."

The girl brought the required stimulant, and in handing it to her
mistress noticed how deadly white her face had become. And as the
countess took the glass from the little silver waiter her hand came in
contact with that of Phoebe, and the girl felt as if an icicle had
touched her, so cold it was.

"Now wheel my writing-desk forward," said the countess, as she sipped
her wine.

The order was obeyed.

"And now," continued the lady, as she replaced the glass and opened her
desk, "pack up my wardrobe and jewels, and your own clothes. Order the
carriage to be at the door at eight o'clock, to take us to Baymouth. We
leave Baymouth for New York to-morrow morning, and New York for
Liverpool next Saturday."