The New Magdalen

Summing up the unassailable security of her false position in those

closing words, Mercy pointed significantly to the billiard-room door.

"You were hiding there, by your own confession," she said. "You know

your way out by that door. Will you leave the room?"

"I won't stir a step!"

Mercy walked to a side-table, and struck the bell placed on it.

At the same moment the billiard-room door opened. Julian Gray

appeared--returning from his unsuccessful search in the grounds.

He had barely crossed the threshold before the library door was

thrown open next by the servant posted in the room. The man drew back

respectfully, and gave admission to Lady Janet Roy. She was followed by

Horace Holmcroft with his mother's wedding present to Mercy in his hand.