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"I beg that no one will go," he said; and his voice, though not loud,

rang like a bell Everybody stopped "I think every one has heard Lady

Lucille's accusation against my future wife," he said "For reasons

which concern herself and me only, my future wife"--he laid an emphasis

on the words--"has seen fit not to deny this accusation I am quite

content that it should be so If we have any friends here let----"

Before he could finish his appeal, the door opened, and Lord and Lady

Wolfer entered the roo dress, and Lady Wolfer

looked pale and in trouble, while Wolfer's face was grave and stern

"If any friend, whether it be man or woman, deems an explanation due to

theive it to them," continued

Drake "If she should not think fit to do so----"

Lady Wolfer, until now unnoticed except by a very few, cah the

circle which at once had foredy She went straight up to Nell, and took her hand and drew

her into her embrace, as if to shelter and succor her With a faint cry,

Nell's head fell on Lady Wolfer's bosom Lady Wolfer looked round, not

defiantly, but with the air of one facing death bravely

"I will explain," she said "It was not she as going to elope with

Sir Archie Walbrooke It was I!"