Clara conducted her guest back into the wainscoted parlor, where a

cheerful fire had been kindled to correct the dampness of the air. And

here they sat down unmindful of the storm that came much subdued

through the thickness of the walls. And, as young creatures, however

tried and sorrowful, will do, they entered into a friendly chat. And

before an hour had passed Capitola thought herself well repaid for her

sufferings from the storm and the rebuff, in having formed the

acquaintance of Clara Day.

She resolved, let Old Hurricane rage as he might, henceforth she would

be a frequent visitor to the Hidden House.

And Clara, for her part, felt that in Capitola she had found a frank,

spirited, faithful neighbor who might become an estimable friend.

While they were thus growing into each other's favor, the door opened

and admitted a gentleman of tall and thin figure and white and

emaciated face, shaded by a luxuriant growth of glossy black hair and

beard. He could not have been more than twenty-six, but, prematurely

broken by vice, he seemed forty years of age. He advanced bowing toward

the young women.

As Capitola's eyes fell upon this newcomer it required all her presence

of mind and powers of self-control to prevent her from staring or

otherwise betraying herself--for in this stranger she recognized the

very man who had stopped her upon her night ride. She did, however,

succeed in banishing from her face every expression of consciousness.

And when Miss Day courteously presented him to her guest, saying

merely, "My cousin, Mr. Craven Le Noir, Miss Black," Capitola arose and

curtsied as composedly as if she had never set eyes upon his face

before.

He on his part evidently remembered her, and sent one stealthy, keen

and scrutinizing glance into her face; but, finding that imperturbable,

he bowed with stately politeness and seemed satisfied that she had not

identified him as her assailant.

Craven Le Noir drew his chair to the fire, seated himself and entered

into an easy conversation with Clara and her guest. Whenever he

addressed Clara there was a deference and tenderness in his tone and

glance that seemed very displeasing to the fair girl, who received all

these delicate attentions with coldness and reserve. These things did

not escape the notice of Capitola, who mentally concluded that Craven

Le Noir was a lover of Clara Day, but a most unacceptable lover.

When supper was announced it was evidently hailed by Clara as a great

relief. And after the meal was over she arose and excused herself to

her cousin by saying that her guest, Miss Black, had been exposed to

the storm and was doubtless very much fatigued and that she would show

her to her chamber.




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