"Ah! what are they? You would give me life by teaching me how to

escape!" said Clara, fervently.

"The first and most obvious means that suggests itself to my mind,"

said Cap, "is to--run away!"

"Ah! that is impossible. The servants are warned; the doors are all

locked; I am watched!"

"Then the next plan is equally obvious. Consent to go with them to the

church, and when you get there, denounce them and claim the protection

of the clergyman!"

"Ah! dear girl, that is still more impracticable. The officiating

clergyman is their friend, and even if I could consent to act a

deceitful part, and should go to church as if to marry Craven and upon

getting there denounce him, instead of receiving the protection of the

clergyman I should be restored to the hands of my legal guardian and be

brought back here to meet a fate worse than death," said Clara, in a

tone of despair.

Capitola did not at once reply, but fell into deep thought, which

lasted many minutes. Then, speaking more gravely than she had spoken

before, she said: "There is but one plan of escape left, your only remaining chance, and

that full of danger!"

"Oh, why should I fear danger? What evil can befall me so great as that

which now threatens me?" said Clara.

"This plan requires on your part great courage, self-control and

presence of mind."

"Teach me! teach me, dear Capitola. I will be an apt pupil!"

"I have thought it all out, and will tell you my plan. It is now eleven

o'clock in the forenoon, and the carriage is to come for you at six

this evening, I believe?"

"Yes! yes!"

"Then you have seven hours in which to save yourself! And this is my

plan: First, Clara, you must change clothes with me, giving me your

suit of mourning and putting on my riding habit, hat and veil! Then,

leaving me here in your place, you are to pull the veil down closely

over your face and walk right out of the house! No one will speak to

you, for they never do to me. When you have reached the park, spring

upon my horse and put whip to him for the village of Tip Top. My

servant, Wool, will ride after you, but not speak to you or approach

near enough to discover your identity--for he has been ordered by his

master to keep me in sight, and he has been forbidden by his mistress

to intrude upon her privacy. You will reach Tip Top by three o'clock,

when the Staunton stage passes through. You may then reveal yourself to

Wool, give my horse into his charge, get into the coach and start for

Staunton. Upon reaching that place, put yourself under the protection

of your friends, the two old physicians, and get them to prosecute your

guardian for cruelty and flagrant abuse of authority. Be cool, firm and

alert, and all will be well!"




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