e last few minutes, and remembered them for
future observance, without having had the power to move or articulate a
remonstrance.

"Now, drink this strong coffee, and all will be well again," said
Clayton, putting a cup of the smoking beverage to my lips, which I
swallowed eagerly, instinctively. The effect was instantaneous, and I
was able to speak and stand, as well as hear and comprehend, while my
bonnet was being tied on, and my throat muffled in a veil, by the
dexterous fingers of Lady Anastasia.

When this process was completed, she stooped down and kissed me, and I
felt a hot tear fall upon my cheek as she rose again. In the next moment
I was clinging to the captain's arm, with a spasmodic feeling of relief
for which I could ill account. We passed across the plank which
connected the ship with the shore in utter darkness, guided by a
twinkling light far ahead, borne by a seaman, reached the dusky quay,
with its few flaring lamps, made dim by drizzling rain and summer mist,
and before many minutes we paused before one of a long line of coaches.

The captain handed me in, then, standing before the open door, seemed to
await the coming of some other person before taking his own place--the
dreaded Clayton, I knew; but I could not remonstrate against what seemed
an ordinary courtesy, and perhaps a step suggested by his innate notions
of propriety.

At any other time I might have agreed with him; but, feeble as I was,
and still bewildered, my whole object seemed to be to escape from the
sphere and power of those women, who had been most kind to me, yet whom
I instinctively dreaded and abhorred.

They came together, the mother and daughter, in their travesty of
mistress and maid--enough of itself to excite suspicion of foul
play--and climbed up the rickety steps of the hackney-coach, rejoicing
over their victim. It mattered not; the captain would make the fourth
passenger, and in his shadow I felt there were strength and security.

"What are you waiting for, Captain Van Dorne?" I had just feebly asked,
as the door snapped-to, and the driver mounted his box. A hand was
thrust through the window for all reply, and a card dropped upon my lap,
which I hastened to secure in the depths of my pocket. By the merest
chance, I found it there on the morrow, and later I comprehended its
import, so mysterious to me at the moment of perusal.

"My poor young lady, you must forgive me for disappointing you, and
hidin' the truth