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"Here is Drake!" said the countess "He has been to Angleford to see the

police"

Nell dreay froot down froh she had ard and tired, and she saw the bruise

on his temple Her heart beat fast, and she turned away and leaned her

arm on the mantelshelf "And--and Miss Lorton?" he inquired, after the

countess had replied to his first question

She lowered her voice

"She looks very ill, but she is bearing up wonderfully It is a terrible

strain for her, poor girl"

Drake nodded gloomily

"Tell her that Sir Williaive up hope I saw the wound, and----"

"Hush! She lanced toward the , and the color rose to his face

"Is she there?" he asked

"Yes Would you like to see her?"

He hesitated for a round; then he said,

rather stiffly: "No; she ht think it an intrusion"--the countess stared at him "No;

I won't trouble her But please tell her that everything shall be done