The astute Professor had taken in the full meaning of her words, which
served to quiet the fears that had haunted him since the advent of
Miss Payne; fears that the young lady would prove to be an enemy, and
one keen enough to fathom the secret they were keeping hidden in the
west wing.

He had seen that, for some reason, neither Cora nor Davlin dared, or
did, oppose her. Now he fancied he understood the reason; it was
because they did not fear her, for her interests were in common with
theirs.

"He is certainly a dangerous man," said the Professor, gravely; "I
will obey your instructions to the letter."

CHAPTER XL.

DAVLIN'S "POINTS."

Madeline having left the morning-room, accompanied by the too
observant Professor, Lucian saw at once his opportunity for a few
words with Cora. Without too great an appearance of haste, he moved
across the room, pausing before the fire, in front of which Miss
Arthur was seated, and addressing to her a few careless words. Then he
glanced at Percy, who sat at the most remote corner of the room,
assuming to be much interested in some geological specimens in a
little cabinet.

Cora divined his intention. She knew, too, that this was the very best
place for an interview, which she desired to make a brief one, being
somewhat afraid of committing herself if she allowed him to ask too
many questions. So she moved over to the window, and seated herself in
a low chair.

She had decided upon her own present course of action. She would play
her part well while she remained at Oakley, and she would escape from
it as soon as she had succeeded in blinding the eyes of her jailers,
for she mentally acknowledged them as such.

When Davlin at length crossed the room, and dropped carelessly down in
the chair at her side, she lifted her eyes to his, and said,
inquiringly: "Well?"

He looked at her keenly for a moment. Then, not to lose any time by
useless words, came straight at the point.

"Time's precious, Co. We can't attract attention by a long dialogue,
and yet we must talk things over. When can I find you alone?"

"Not at all for a day or two."

"Why not?" elevating his eyebrows.

Cora rested her head upon her hand in such a way as to conceal from
those at the opposite end of the room, the expression of her face, and
said:

"Because I want to be sure that we can talk without being observed.
Miss Payne seems very friendly, and has given me her maid because,
she says, a