through, and
spoke a kind greeting; but Cloudy glanced at the Abbess, looked
reproachfully at Jacquelina, and then turning to the former, said:

"Madam, I wish to say a few words in confidence to my cousin here. Can I
be permitted to do so?"

"Most certainly, young gentleman; Sister Theresa is not restricted. It
was at her own request that I attended her hither."

"Thank you, dear lady--that which I have to say to--Sister
Theresa--involves the confidence of others: else I should not have made
the request that you have so kindly granted," said Cloudy, considerably
mollified.

The Abbess curtsied in the old stately way, and retired.

Cloudy looked at Jacquelina reproachfully.

"Are you going to be a nun, Lina?"

"Yes. Oh, Cloudy, Cloudy! what do you come here to disturb my thoughts
so for? Oh, Cloudy! every time you come to see me, you do so upset and
confuse my mind! You have no idea how many aves and paters, and psalms
and litanies I have to say before I can quiet my mind down again! And
now this is worse than all. Dear, dear Cloudy!--St. Mary, forgive me, I
never meant that--I meant plain Cloudy--see how you make me sin in
words! What did you send Mother Ettienne away for?"

"That I might talk to you alone. Why do you deny me that small
consolation, Lina? How have I offended, that you should treat me so?"

"In no way at all have you offended, dearest Cloudy--St. Peter! there it
is again--I mean only Cloudy."

"Never mind explaining the distinction. You are going to be a nun, you
say! Very well--let that pass, too! But you must leave your convent, and
go into the world yet once more, and then I shall have opportunities of
talking to you before your return."

"No, no; never will I leave my convent--never will I subject my soul to
such a temptation."

"My dear Lina, I have the cabalistic words that must draw you
forth--listen! Our cousin, Thurston Willcoxen, is in prison, charged
with the murder of Marian Mayfield"--a stifled shriek from
Jacquelina--"and there is circumstantial evidence against him strong
enough to ruin him forever, if it does not cost him his life. Now, Lina,
I cannot be wrong in supposing that you know who struck that death-blow,
and that your evidence can thoroughly exonerate Thurston from suspicion!
Am I right?"

"Yes! yes! you are right," exclaimed Jacquelina, in great agitation.

"You will go, then?"

"Yes! yes."

"When?"

"In an hour--this moment--with you."

"With me?"