the panels and the walls are passages for the
servants, opening from the room by doors hidden in the woodwork. Lady
Mountclere knew of one of these, and made use of it to let out her
conspirator; Lord Mountclere knew of another, and made use of it to let
in himself. His sight is not good, but his ears are unimpaired. A
meeting was arranged to take place at the west gate at half-past seven,
unless a note handed from the balcony mentioned another time and place.
He heard it all--hee-hee!

'When Lady Mountclere's confederate came for the note, I was in waiting
above, and handed one down a few minutes before the hour struck,
confirming the time, but changing the place. When Lady Mountclere handed
down her note, just as the clock was striking, her confederate had gone,
and I was standing beneath the balcony to receive it. She dropped it
into her husband's hands--ho-ho-ho-ho!

'Lord Mountclere ordered a brougham to be at the west lodge, as fixed by
Lady Mountclere's note. Probably Lady Mountclere's friend ordered a
brougham to be at the north gate, as fixed by my note, written in
imitation of Lady Mountclere's hand. Lady Mountclere came to the spot
she had mentioned, and like a good wife rushed into the arms of her
husband--hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!'

As if by an ungovernable impulse, Ethelberta broke into laughter
also--laughter which had a wild unnatural sound; it was hysterical. She
sank down upon the leaves, and there continued the fearful laugh just as
before.

Lord Mountclere became greatly frightened. The spot they had reached was
a green space within a girdle of hollies, and in front of them rose an
ornamental cottage. This was the building which Ethelberta had visited
earlier in the day: it was the Petit Trianon of Enckworth Court.

The viscount left her side and hurried forward. The door of the building
was opened by a woman.

'Have you prepared for us, as I directed?'

'Yes, my lord; tea and coffee are both ready.'

'Never mind that now. Lady Mountclere is ill; come and assist her
indoors. Tell the other woman to bring wine and water at once.'

He returned to Ethelberta. She was better, and was sitting calmly on the
bank. She rose without assistance.

'You may retire,' he said to the woman who had followed him, and she
turned round. When Ethelberta saw the building, she drew back quickly.

'Where is the other Lady Mountclere?' she inquired.

'Gone!'

'She shall never return--never?'

'N