" said she, "but, after all, it only adds to the
mystery. Why did he do those things? Did you make him do them? And
why did he say that he knew Mrs. Hunter, and then deny it? And if he
knew about his past when he said he knew her, did he not know it as
well afterward? I can not be blinded to these matters by a statement
of things merely mysterious and strange. I must have----"

"My friend," said Madame le Claire, "all these things will be
explained, trust me. The person tapping at the outer door is Judge
Blodgett with Mr. Am----with your future husband. Things will occur of
which you should know, and which can not take place if they know you
are here. It will be most honorable for you to stay. Remain here and
note well what happens, and you will get much light on your troubles,
and on his--of some of which you do not yet know, which I do not
understand, but which will be cleared up. You will say nothing, but
watch and listen."

Before Miss Waldron could protest, the other woman was gone. Florian
and Judge Blodgett were brought into the middle room, and seated with
their faces from the portiere, behind which Elizabeth waited, wondering
what she should do, feeling that she had the right to know, and
obedient to the mesmerist's commands. Mr. Amidon began _in medias
res_, too full of grim determination for any circumlocution.

"Madame le Claire," said he, "recently, as I sat at supper, I was
notified that this Miss Scarlett has begun suit against me for breach
of promise."

"Yes," said Madame le Claire, "I have heard of it. It is most unjust."

Elizabeth, astounded at Amidon's statement, heard her new friend's
reply as some far-off note of succor in doubtful and deadly battle.
She sat close, now, and listened.

"Ever since I came to myself," went on Amidon, "and through your
wonderful power found out about this life of mine here in Bellevale,
the name of Miss Scarlett has come up from time to time as connected
with it. I have always shrunk from having you find out just what
our--relations--have been, and the whole thing has been dark to
me--dark and forbidding. What wrong I--this man Brassfield--may have
done her, I can not know without your aid. I must know this, now. If
she has been wronged, she shall have reparation, as full as I can give."

"What do you mean," said Madame le Claire--and Elizabeth held her
breath--"by full reparation?"

"First let us know the wrong! If that exists, the reparat