oard, was laid as on the evening
previous, upon the bare floor. The captain seated himself beside his
guest, and the other members of the band took their places at the meal.

Sybil noticed that young Raphael was among them. But Captain Inconnu
vouchsafed neither word nor glance to his son, and no other one presumed
to present him to the lady guest.

Yet at that breakfast Sybil made a most innocent conquest. The boy, who
had seen very few young girls in his life, and had never seen so
beautiful a woman as Sybil, at first sight fell purely in love with her,
for the sake of whose sweet face he felt he could die a thousand deaths,
without ever even dreaming of such a reward as to be permitted to kiss
her hand!

What woman does not know at once when a life has been silently laid at
her feet? Sybil surely knew and felt that this fair boy's heart and soul
were hers for life or death. "He loved her with that love which was his
doom."

And what beautiful woman of twenty years old, is not careless and cruel
in her dealings with her boy worshipper of fourteen? She may perceive,
but she never appreciates the pure devotion.

Sybil, the most magnanimous among women, was perfectly incapable of any
other selfish act, under any other circumstances; but yet she coolly
resolved to improve her power over this fair boy, and to use his
devotion for her own purpose of escaping from the band and delivering
herself up to the authorities--never once thinking of the pain and peril
she would bring upon her young votary.

But she was very cautious in her conduct towards him. She kept in mind
the warning that had been given her by Gentiliska, and took care to
bestow neither word nor look upon the lad, while in the company of
Captain Inconnu.

When breakfast was over, all the band dispersed about their various
business, with the exception of Raphael, who, with pencil and portfolio,
strolled about the forsaken grounds, or sat down on fragments of rock to
sketch picturesque points in the scenery, and Captain Inconnu, who
intercepted Sybil as she was going to her room and requested a few
moments' private conversation with her.

Sybil thought it the best policy to grant the Captain's request. So she
permitted him to lead her into the unfurnished front parlor, where for
the want of a chair or a sofa, he put her in the low window seat.

"I had the honor of telling you yesterday, madam, that if you should be
pleased to do so, we would talk furthe