ctation visible in more than one of the chief actors in this
terrible drama gave suspicious proof of the fact; even if the deadly
pallor of the lady herself had not revealed her own feelings in regard
to the subject.

The entrance of the prisoner was more marked, too, than usual. His air
and manner were emphasized, so to speak, and his face, when he turned it
toward the jury, wore an iron look of resolution that would have made
him conspicuous had he occupied a less prominent position than that of
the dock.

Miss Dare, who had flashed her eyes toward him at the moment of his
first appearance, dropped them again, contrary to her usual custom. Was
it because she knew the moment was at hand when their glances would be
obliged to meet?

Mr. Orcutt, whom no movement on the part of Miss Dare ever escaped,
leaned over and spoke to the prisoner.

"Mr. Mansell," said he, "are you prepared to submit with composure to
the ordeal of confronting Miss Dare?"

"Yes," was the stern reply.

"I would then advise you to look at her now," proceeded his counsel.
"She is not turned this way, and you can observe her without
encountering her glance. A quick look at this moment may save you from
betraying any undue emotion when you see her upon the stand."

The accused smiled with a bitterness Mr. Orcutt thought perfectly
natural, and slowly prepared to obey. As he raised his eyes and allowed
them to traverse the room until they settled upon the countenance of the
woman he loved, this other man who, out of a still more absorbing
passion for Imogene, was at that very moment doing all that lay in his
power for the saving of this his openly acknowledged rival, watched him
with the closest and most breathless attention. It was another instance
of that peculiar fascination which a successful rival has for an
unsuccessful one. It was as if this great lawyer's thoughts reverted to
his love, and he asked himself: "What is there in this Mansell that she
should prefer him to me?"

And Orcutt himself, though happily unaware of the fact, was at that same
instant under a scrutiny as narrow as that he bestowed upon his client.
Mr. Ferris, who knew his secret, felt a keen interest in watching how he
would conduct himself at this juncture. Not an expression of the
lawyer's keen and puzzling eye but was seen by the District Attorney and
noted, even if it was not understood.

Of the three, Mr. Ferris was the first to turn away, and his thoughts if
th