disappeared to, since she obviously
could not have gone through a locked door? I will not press you for an
explanation of how a North American timber-wolf suddenly appeared in the
conservatory, but I think I have some right to inquire what has become of
Mrs. Hampton."

Bilsiter's reiterated disclaimer was met with a general murmur of
impatient disbelief.

"I refuse to stay another hour under this roof," declared Mavis
Pellington.

"If our hostess has really vanished out of human form," said Mrs. Hoops,
"none of the ladies of the party can very well remain. I absolutely
decline to be chaperoned by a wolf!"

"It's a she-wolf," said Clovis soothingly.

The correct etiquette to be observed under the unusual circumstances
received no further elucidation. The sudden entry of Mary Hampton
deprived the discussion of its immediate interest.

"Some one has mesmerised me," she exclaimed crossly; "I found myself in
the game larder, of all places, being fed with sugar by Lord Pabham. I
hate being mesmerised, and the doctor has forbidden me to touch sugar."

The situation was explained to her, as far as it permitted of anything
that could be called explanation.

"Then you _really_ did turn me into a wolf, Mr. Bilsiter?" she exclaimed
excitedly.

But Leonard had burned the boat in which he might now have embarked on a
sea of glory. He could only shake his head feebly.

"It was I who took that liberty," said Clovis; "you see, I happen to have
lived for a couple of years in North-Eastern Russia, and I have more than
a tourist's acquaintance with the magic craft of that region. One does
not care to speak about these strange powers, but once in a way, when one
hears a lot of nonsense being talked about them, one is tempted to show
what Siberian magic can accomplish in the hands of someone who really
understands it. I yielded to that temptation. May I have some brandy?
the effort has left me rather faint."

If Leonard Bilsiter could at that moment have transformed Clovis into a
cockroach and then have stepped on him he would gladly have performed
both operations.

LAURA

"You are not really dying, are you?" asked Amanda.

"I have the doctor's permission to live till Tuesday," said Laura.

"But to-day is Saturday; this is serious!" gasped Amanda.

"I don't know about it being serious; it is certainly Saturday," said
Laura.

"Death is always serious," said Amanda.

"I never said I was going to die. I