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"Well, well; that has nothing to do with it The question is, where it

she to be found?"

"Found!" echoed Prudence; "has she then been lost?"

"Of coarse she has, you old simpleton! How could she help it, and she

dead, with no one to look after her?" said La Masque, with soue-pit in her

bridal-robes, jewels and lace; and, when about to be thrown in, was

discovered, like Moses is the bulrushes, to be all alive"

"Well," whispered Prudence, breathlessly

"Well, O uardians! she was carried to a certain

house, and left to her own devices, while her gallant rescuer went for a

doctor; and when they returned she wasfancy for getting lost!"

There was a pause, during which Prudence looked at her with a face fall

of led fear and curiosity At last: "Madame, how do you know all this? Were you there?"

"No Not I, indeed! What would takeabout it?"

La Masque laughed

"A little bird told me, Prudence! Have you returned to resuo into that house again I aue"

"Prudence, you are a perfect idiot! Are you not liable to take the

plague in the reue-infested city? And even