ove that I can desire. This visit has utterly
uprooted that faith. The way is clear now. Another month, and you shall
see if I am defeated."

The woman smiled derisively.

"Poor fool," she said, "a single sweep of my hand--or a word from my
lips, and all your romantic dreams are dashed away. I have separated the
miserable girl from her lover to gratify the wildest delusion that ever
entered a human brain. This very night I sent for you, that this game of
cross-purposes might have an end. The confidence you have so often asked
for, would have been yours but for this rash introduction of the young
man into a house he should never have seen."

"Give me that confidence now, and it may avail something!" answered
Agnes, always insolent and disrespectful to the woman before her; "that
I have some of your precious blood in my veins, you have taken plenty of
opportunities to impress upon me, but it shall not prevent my seeking
happiness in my own way!"

"Then you are resolved to entice this young man into a marriage, Agnes?"

"I am resolved that he shall desire it as much as myself."

Again Zillah covered the girl with her scornful glances.

"I tell you, girl," she broke forth passionately, "this is a subject
that you shall not dare to trifle with. I desire you to leave General
Harrington's house; it is no safe home for you. Obey me, and, in a
little time all the fragments of my legacy shall be yours."

"I should fancy those fragments were pretty well used up, if all the
finery in this house is paid for," said Agnes, with a scornful laugh.
"Even as a speculation, my own project is the best."

"Then you are determined to stay in the house with this young man?"

"Why, am I not well protected, and is it not the most natural thing in
the world? Mrs. Harrington has lost her companion--I fill her place.
Then, there is the precious old chambermaid; she might have more
dangerous people in the house than I am."

"True," muttered Zillah, thoughtfully. "Well, girl, take your own way a
little longer; but, remember, I must have a promise that no engagement
shall be made with Ralph Harrington without my previous knowledge. A few
weeks, Agnes, will bring our affairs to a crisis--when you and I shall
be all-powerful or nothing. As for this wild--but hush!"

Zillah pointed warningly toward the bed, where Lina was struggling into
consciousness again. "Are you better, love?" she inquired, gently
bending over the pale form.

But Lina