soon found themselves in the street, with very different
expressions of countenance. Sir Norman looking considerably
pleased and decidedly puzzled, and Mr. Ormiston looking savagely
and uncompromisingly jealous. The animated skeleton who had
admitted them closed the door after them; and the two friends
stood in the twilight on London Bridge.




CHAPTER II.

THE DEAD BRIDE


"Well," said Ormiston, drawing a long bath, "what do you think of
that?"

"Think? Don't ask me yet." said Sir Norman, looking rather
bewildered. "I'm in such a state of mystification that I don't
rightly know whether I'm standing on my head or feet. For one
thing, I have come to the conclusion that your masked ladylove
must be enchantingly beautiful."

"Have I not told you that a thousand times, O thou of little
faith? But why have you come to such a conclusion?"

"Because no woman with such a figure, such a voice and such hands
could be otherwise."