as so husky he could but with difficulty distinguish
her words--"do you intend to recall me to the stand to-morrow?"

"I am obliged to, Miss Dare."

"But I thought the time for examination was over; that the witnesses had
all testified, and that nothing remained now but for the lawyers to sum
up."

"When in a case like this the prisoner offers a defence not anticipated
by the prosecution, the latter, of course, has the right to meet such
defence with proof in rebuttal."

"Proof in rebuttal? What is that?"

"Evidence to rebut or prove false the matters advanced in support of the
defence."

"Ah!"

"I must do it in this case--if I can, of course."

She did not reply.

"And even if the testimony I desire to put in is not rebuttal in its
character, no unbiassed judge would deny to counsel the privilege of
reopening his case when any new or important fact has come to light."

As if overwhelmed by a prospect she had not anticipated, she hurriedly
arose and pointed down the room to a curtained recess.

"Give me five minutes," she cried; "five minutes by myself where no one
can look at me, and where I can think undisturbed upon what I had better
do."

"Very well," he acquiesced; "you shall have them."

She at once crossed to the small retreat.

"Five minutes," she reiterated huskily, as she lifted the curtains
aside; "when the clock strikes nine I will come out."

"You will?" he repeated, doubtfully.

"I will."

The curtains fell behind her, and for five long minutes Mr. Ferris paced
the room alone. He was far from easy. All was so quiet behind that
curtain,--so preternaturally quiet. But he would not disturb her; no, he
had promised, and she should be left to fight her battle alone. When
nine o'clock struck, however, he started, and owned to himself some
secret dread. Would she come forth or would he have to seek her in her
place of seclusion? It seemed he would have to seek her, for the
curtains did not stir, and by no sound from within was any token given
that she had heard the summons. Yet he hesitated, and as he did so, a
thought struck him. Could it be there was any outlet from the refuge she
had sought? Had she taken advantage of his consideration to escape him?
Moved by the fear, he hastily crossed the room. But before he could lay
his hand upon the curtains, they parted, and disclosed the form of
Imogene.

"I am coming," she murmured, and stepped forth more like a
faintly-breathing image than a