a way that will surprise you as well as him. Good acting must have
proper support. This is something new,--out of the rut; and I am
bound to make it a brilliant jest that we can laugh over all our
lives. So remember, Julian, you will disconcert me at your peril."

"No fears of me. So long as your jest remains a jest, I will be
the last one to spoil the sport."

With a chime of laughter that echoed to the attic of the old mansion,
Lottie exclaimed, "The idea that I could ever become in earnest!"

"But the young clergyman may become dead in earnest," said Bel, who
seemed the embodiment of a troublesome but weak conscience. "You
know well, Mr. De Forrest, that Lottie's blandishments may be fatal
to his peace."

"That is his affair," replied the confident youth, with a careless
shrug.

Having arranged the details of the plot and been emphatically
cautioned by Lottie, they awaited their victim.






CHAPTER II.

THE VICTIM.