ey could have been put into words might have run something like this:
"That man"--meaning Orcutt--"is doing the noblest work one human being
can perform for another, and yet there is something in his face I do not
comprehend. Can it be he hopes to win Miss Dare by his effort to save
his rival?"

As for the thoughts of the person thus unconsciously subjected to the
criticism of his dearest friend, let our knowledge of the springs that
govern his action serve to interpret both the depth and bitterness of
his curiosity; while the sentiments of Mansell---- But who can read what
lurks behind the iron of that sternly composed countenance? Not
Imogene, not Orcutt, not Ferris. His secret, if he owns one, he keeps
well, and his lids scarcely quiver as he drops them over the eyes that
but a moment before reflected the grand beauty of the unfortunate woman
for whom he so lately protested the most fervent love.

The next moment the court was opened and Miss Dare's name was called by
the District Attorney.

With a last look at the unresponsive prisoner, Imogene rose, took her
place on the witness stand and faced the jury.

It was a memorable moment. If the curious and impressible crowd of
spectators about her had been ignorant of her true relations to the
accused, the deadly stillness and immobility of her bearing would have
convinced them that emotion of the deepest nature lay behind the still,
white mask she had thought fit to assume. That she was beautiful and
confronted them from that common stand as from a throne, did not serve
to lessen the impression she made.

The officer held the Bible toward her. With a look that Mr. Byrd was
fain to consider one of natural shrinking only, she laid her white hand
upon it; but at the intimation from the officer, "The right hand, if you
please, miss," she started and made the exchange he suggested, while at
the same moment there rang upon her ear the voice of the clerk as he
administered the awful adjuration that she should, as she believed and
hoped in Eternal mercy, tell the truth as between this man and the law
and keep not one tittle back. The book was then lifted to her lips by
the officer, and withdrawn.

"Take your seat, Miss Dare," said the District Attorney. And the
examination began.

"Your name, if you please?"

"Imogene Dare."

"Are you married or single?"

"I am single."

"Where were you born?"

Now this was a painful question to one of her history. Indeed, she