hours ago, Lilian is taken suddenly ill, and I fear seriously. What
medical man should I send for? Let my servant have his name and
address.

A. A.

I sprang from my seat.

"Stay," said Mrs. Poyntz. "Would you much care if I sent the servant to
Dr. Jones?"

"Ah, madam, you are cruel! What have I done that you should become my
enemy?"

"Enemy! No. You have just befriended one of my friends. In this world
of fools intellect should ally itself with intellect. No; I am not your
enemy! But you have not yet asked me to be your friend."

Here she put into my hands a note she had written while thus speaking.
"Receive your credentials. If there be any cause for alarm, or if I can
be of use, send for me." Resuming the work she had suspended, but with
lingering, uncertain fingers, she added, "So far, then, this is settled.
Nay, no thanks; it is but little that is settled as yet."




CHAPTER IX.

In a very few minutes I was once more in the grounds of that old gable