a few moments. All was still; and, taking
her satchel, she glided noiselessly down the stairs and into the street.
Her heart sank within her as the cold wind struck her cheek; but she
moved rapidly forward, eager to place a distance between her and the
scene of her abasement. Soon she was on the broad, rough prairie road,
over which a waning moon cast pale, sickly beams. By daylight she
reached a settler's cabin, and learned that a stage-coach would pass
there in a few moments, bound eastward. She requested the privilege of
waiting its arrival, which was readily granted, and also such
refreshments placed before her as the cabin afforded; but she could not
eat. The coach soon appeared, and she rejoiced to find herself the only
passenger. The door was closed, and the hard, jolting vehicle rumbled on
its way. And here was Annie Evalyn, the beautiful, the gifted, the
admired Annie Evalyn of yesterday, flying like a guilty outcast from the
scenes amid which she had been so happy.

Great was the surprise at Dr. Prague's mansion, on the following
morning, when Annie's flight became known. No token was left by which a
clue to her course might be discovered. Sheldon carried himself like a
crazy one. The old doctor bustled about, and said he would search the
world over to bring her back. Kate cried, and the children loudly
bewailed the loss of their dear governess. Mrs. Prague seemed the only
calm and rational one in the household; she declared herself glad to get
rid of the baggage, and considered her flight proof positive of her
guilt.

This view seemed rather plausible certainly. If innocent, why did she
not remain and boldly refute the tale Sumpter had told?

When the news of her flight was made known to Esquire Hardin, he laughed
heartily, and called up Sumpter to join him. The latter expressed
himself "sorry if he had unwittingly been the cause of an unpleasant
occurrence in Dr. Prague's family."

"What, the deuce!" said Hardin, "do you suppose they wish to harbor a
young witch?"

"Why, no,--but this gentleman, Mr. Sheldon."

"Give yourself no uneasiness in regard to me, sir!" said Sheldon,
sternly. "I will manage and control my own affairs."

"Bravely spoken, Frank!" remarked Hardin, "Now let us adjourn to the
dinner-saloon and drink a merry bout over fortunate denouement."

CHAPTER XIII.

"It was a bitter pain
That pierced her gentle heart;