Page 136 (2/2)

given up all hope--the indecision in her eyes became pity She

suddenly ran across the room and knelt down before Celia With

quick and feverish hands she untied the cord which fastened the

train of her skirt about her knees

At first Celia shrank away, fearing so--and speaking with re--too young

to be killed"

The tears were rolling down Celia's cheeks Her face was pitiful

and beseeching

"Don't look at me like that, for God's sake, child!" Adele went

on, and she chafed the girl's ankles for a moratefully After all, then, she was not to

die It seemed to her hardly possible But before she could rise a

subdued whirr of machinery penetrated into the room, and the

motor-car came slowly to the front of the villa

"Keep still!" said Adele hurriedly, and she placed herself in

front of Celia

Wethermill opened the wooden door, while Celia's heart raced in

her bosoate," he whispered "Are you ready?"

"Yes"

Wethermill disappeared; and this time he left the door open Adele

helped Celia to her feet For a moment she tottered; then she

stood firm