Denbighshire Free Press

1 LALL RIGHTS &BSEBVED.J THE ORCHID ROOM. I By MRS. L. T. MEADE Author of "The Medicine Lady," Stories; > from tho Disjry of a Doctor," "From the. Hand of the Hunter," "His Mascot," &c. I CHAPTEI1 XXIII. Fresh servants arrived on Saturday. I I their sJ-range faecs as I went up and duwu staire. I took, little or no notice of hun, however; they did not concern me. Murtha fitill waited on the schoolroom, as the Blue- bell Room was called. Salome and Justinian ¡ poured out every scrap of news they could gather into my receptive ears. I felt like one who lived in a dream. The children were very much excited about the Orchid Room, but, to tell the truth, I hardly thought of it. It mattered so little, to me now where I slept. The ordinary ghost could not frighten one whose soul was ab- sorbed with the hardest problem any girl could contemplate. The man I loved, and who loved me, was about to marry another Why was he doing it? It was not like his character. He was not for a single,moment a worldly-minded person. On the contrary, he was fearless, open, brave. He had strong views, and was not afraid of them. He was upright in heart and nature. There was not one "thing about Peaxl which suited him. Why was he marrying her? Simply and en- tirely for her money. Oh. what an awful curse money was! I felt almost glad that I had non,. I could not imagine why a man like Denis Ward could sacrifice all the happi- ness oi his life for mere money. On Monday the guests began to pour in. Even Martha looked overworked. It's a great big house," she said, and really, those new servants arc more trouble than they're worth. Thev want waiting on, that's what they do. I'd rather make shift and go on as we were before they arrived, The worst of it is that each of the ladies has her iiirid and where they're to be put. good- ness only knows The place, big as it is, ain't big enough to hold them." I made no reply to this it was no affair of mine. The wedding was to be on Thursday. On Tuesday, if Mrs. Wolcome's directions were carried out, all my belongings were to be put into the Orchid Room. I did not fear it in the least but I had made a promise, and not for all the world would I break it. I had faithfully promised Denis Ward that I would not sleep there without letting him know. His news of Lord Norbreek was bad, but there was no reason for postponing the wed- ding, as the doctors expected the old man to linger on for several weeks. The beautiful dress had come home. and 1. amongst others, stood and looked at Pearl as she was arrang- ing it. She made an exquisite picture. Her fair, very fair complexion, her lovely golden hair, the graceful pose of her young carriage, the sparkling light in her blue eyes. the de- licate colour in her cheeks, all gave that rare effect of a porcelain figure. She might have been a Dresden shepherdess, so clear was her complexion, and so devoid of all soul was her face. Salome, plain beside her sister, looked to me in comparison quite charming. How can any man endure the thought of living with that one face close to him through all the N-e-irs? I could not help thinking to myself. That one face, growing a little less and a little less beautiful as time goes on. For life cannot print any marks on it; sorrow can scarcely touch it; joy cannot illuminate it. It is a face as empty as the mind to which it belongs. And Denis Ward, of all men— Denis, the fastidious, the reserved-the man whose affections are so hard, so almost impos- sible, to win—the man who has never given his love to Pearl Malcolm Pearl suddenly looked at me as these thoughts were flashing through my mind. She "gave a faint frown, and said, quickly: "Leave the room. please. Miss Treherne." The b(i* who were clustering round to ad- mire stared at me as I obeyed her request. I went back to the Bluebell Room. It was bei-ng Atmantled, and changed into a bed- room. Martha was there, so also was Zllck. ¡ flear me. miss I" said Martha, when she saw me it goes sore to take away your little bite o' comforte, but after the wed- ding you'll be put back again." "After the wedding!" said Zack, with a laugh. It was a queer, hollow, transparent laugh. It meant—I cannot tell what it meant, but it filled me with uncontrollable, nervous dread. The man stooped to build up the fire. He seldom cared to have his face in view. It was his proverbial habit to turn his back on all those in whose society he found himself. Now then. Zack, don't you turn nasty," said Martha. Why shouldn't our Miss Tre- herne have her pretty schoolroom after the wedding? The man laughed again. His laughter was much more horrible than any words. Martha," I said, is anyone to sleep here to-mght? Yes, mies." she answered. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar from Scotland are coming by the night train. They are to use this rticin. You and Miss Salome will have the Butter- cup Room until to-morrow, and then-" I She looked at me significantly. Zack suddenly stood up, turned, and faced m.e. Don't you go and do it," he said. You get on your knees and say the Lord's Prayer, and repeat them words: Lead us not into temptation.' Come along, Martha, I don't want to be here any longer fiddling and faddling with the ashes in the grate." Martha took a moment, however, before she left the room, to say to me in a sympa- thetic Voice He knows what he's about, does Zack, and if I were you I'd stick out firm. Why shouldn't one of the visitors be put into the Orchid Room, if it comes to that?" The man and woman disappeared. I be- gan to collect my belongings. I determined not to think of their words, which were suffi. cientlv ominous to frighten the bravest girl on earth. Having put Salome's books and papers together, and the few treasures I kept in our schoolroom, I took them to the Butter- cup Room. I saw Salome standing by the window. She had evidently been crying very hard. When she saw me, she rushed up to me and flung her arms round my neck. "Is it true?" she said. "Are you going to do it? To do what, dear?" I acked. Sleep in that room to-morrow night. Oh, you mustn't! We never know what we must or mustn't do. Salome. You think there's a ghost in that room. Now. I don't believe in ghosts." j Salome still had her arms clasped tightly round my neck. "Now," she whispered in my ear, and her whisper sent an awful thrill through me, whisper sent an awful thrill through me, "did you see the ball of light on the wall? I unfastened the child's clinging arms. She really did upset me. ) We shall be safe and happy here to-night, F.tany rate," I said. "Now put on your things. We had best go out. There is such contusion in the house that you and I arc happier and safer when we are out of doors." "I know," said Salome. "I hate the C' house, and I hate the wedding, and I hate Pearl, and I hate Mr. Ward for being such a nincompoop." Av hat do you mean? I said, angrily. "You know quite well. He's jioing to in,q r:, N- when he loves you I call that | c', t I scrt of man a nincompoop. I don't admire him a bit now, and I hope vou are going to forget hlm." Site began hastily to put on her outdoor j things. Her little face was full of passion, j She looived quite worn and distressed. I felt that for her sake it would be a very good thing when the wedding was over, and we might settle down to the normal life again. ( Do you know," said Salome, as she put on her wide hat with its plume of ostrich feathers, what Aunt Justinia has arranged to do?" °

-.=- I TKs MEW BEEF TEA-JU-VsS. Prepared solely from Beef and Vegetable. IvI-.kes delicious rich gravies or a cup of strong Beef Tea for a penny. Ask your grocer. S B TUC 6 !s1 as fe r\ r'<!HT' ^bCTTTM'SF^ f. 4, I j \Wif$\ s-: s idol' J|v#fW iffJ is '/fl r 1 i' /Hh j |fc) I ¡ I II j I ¡ I Don't Blame THEM. Perhaps YOU are Nervous and I Irritable, Weak, Tired, liestless and Nervous, for Kidney Trouble affects the Whole System. JLr ate eosily up!et and| Denbigh Proof. j Cured to stay cared is the story (J I r. | Thomas Royles, 104, Honllan-streefc, I If yon never feel rested, don't enjov Denbigh, who, over three years after telling Y()Ur foo(!, tjiil caii't slcep- ot his etire, said :I am fctil: well, and have been free from kidney trouble ever mince your pills cur-cd rr-e. I can heartily endorse all I said for the medtcine at the IE you have any form of kidney time of my care." trouble—backache,rheumatism,gravel, The following is the sta-tement giving side pains, dizzy spells, urinary j tbi1 details of Mr. Eoyles' can j disorders—'•cad the following s;>ef!k highly of Doan s Laciiache Ividney II periiLce of Mr. Royles, who wap they have done «re the world of II j t>, T>, T—i K'wit l'° &aid. "Before I used them I Trip cans c aIv. Iv.unej suffered a great deal with kidney disease, l ills the worst symptoms being dreadful pains in my back; sometimes they caught mo so! my back; sometimes they caught me so sharply that I would break out into a I For every day that kidney com- perspiration. I often bad to take hold of plaint is neglected it becouu-s more sobbing for support because of the pain, I dano-Tou" 1 WHS very weak' t0°' 4'The kidney secretions gave a sediment, which convinced me that my kidneys were our, of order. I began to think my health Be sure you get the genuine was breaking up; and it was just at this vi time that I began with Doan's Backache QOJ^iSM 3> like yOUr neigh- Kidney PUtls. In a few days my back was! ,11 stronger, and I continued with the pills. DOUr llRu. jr w;v„r,'»; long before I was qaite cared. I | s jv set none of the pains now, and t 1% I feel better generally. (Signed) mW^^ ImmTHOMAS RovLi> 11 llifilS Note.—If tou will write, a book en 1 »*• »» fSjffiVfltftw kidney trouble'will b« sent free ol charge. gn*vi\i B MlS-/Iffc Of all Chemists and Stores, or direst "MmiK ff \from tbe Pro]ir:otors, FoRtcr-McClellanCo., 8, WellB-Etrett, (liford-street. Loh^od, Wt) \C>OMP> £ J\fWTS\\ at os. 9d. per box. or 13g. 'd. for six boxes_ -=== J >

HOLDING WORK TOO NEAR THE EYES. On the subject of the distance at which work should be held from the eye. Dr. C. A. Veasey savs. as the result of extended observations, that one of the most frequent faults he has observed in voung children, and sometimes in adults also, is that of placing- the eyes too near to the work, or vice versa, holding- the work too near the or vice versa, holding- the work too near the eyes. He contend- that ir, is a most unfortunate habit, one difficult to correct, and yet one that will surolv lead to trouble if persisted in. The nearer a small object, such as the printed page. j is held to an eye. the more cross-eyed we are looliinp. and the er-eater the amount of strain upon the eyes. This, in time. often procuces a serious nervous condition, and in some instances near-sightedness may be the, result. The doctor advises holding our reading- matter^ or work, as far from the eyes as it can he distinctly ob- se~v<_d without effort, usually 15m. or 16in. for ordinary print.

I THIRST IN INFANT?. It is a mistake to suppose that because milk is a liquid food it is at the same time a drink, which is capable of satisfying the thirst of in- fants. Although milk appeases hunger, it makes thirst more intense Rft,, it has remained some time in the stomach and digestion of it has be- gun. It is thirst which causes healthy, breasf- nourished infants to cry for long period-s of t;;ii(-. in iiiany instances. There are many cases of indigestion due to weakness or insufficiency of the child's gastric juice which would bo greatly benefited or even cured if the child were allowed an occasional drink of water.

EXERCISE AND SUNSHINE. The act of taking plenty of exorcise and plenty cf sunshine are the most needed duties of a person who intend? to foiiow the laws of ¡ health. He may drink his stimulating Wjnes. coffee, tea, &c.. but without exercise in some form he is unsafe, and runs a risk of falling into some disease. The stimulating drinks only last a certain length of tin", and when they have passed away and the efr -ets are no more he is in a bad condition. Take plenty of exercise nisht and morning and midday, together with ai. the sun bine you can ret. Sunshine does ths | entire body good. warms it, and he:ps Nature to wear away disease. The cause o. so much stupor among a great majority of the masses is the dark and damp piaceo tnat they ha.ve to work and deep m.

LATE HOURS FOR CHILDREN. Says a physician: "I abominate night partiest for children. I believe every physician does- It is not so much the exposure, and the eating- in the mcrhf, and the bad associations formed (of a high-toned -crt. po -ibly), but the breaking into the sleep habit. Loualiy bad it is for chil- dren to studv in the evening. It gorges their brain with blood, and if tney sleep they dream. I had a little patient cf twelve years, who waa wasted and nervous, and whose dreams were £ llod with his problems. It was a marvel and a pride to his parents that the youngster worked out hard problems in his sieep,^ sucn as he failed to master when awake. But he came near his final problem. I locked up his books at four o'clock. He must not touch one after his supper. He must play and romp and then go to bed. He i.- now robust. You cannot emphasise too

strongly the mischief of chi.arcu s night study. NOBODY GRUMBLES at the cakes and pastry if yott make them at home with BORWICn Baking Powder. It ensures light- ness, digestibility and splendid, flavour. Sidney Smith once said Thank God for Tea! WnaP tcould the world do without Tea? How (ii,i it exist.' I am glad I was not born before TeaThese words have been repeated again and again by the millions that drink Horniman's Tea. All who drink Horniman's Pure Tea acknowledge its invigorating and nerve-preserving properties. The drink of pleasure and of health." Full iveight without the package, and "Always Guod Alike." Ask for it, insist upon having it, and take no other. Sold in :-St. Asaph by Price, grocer. Llangollen Davies. Evans, Victoria Stores. Llandysilio Roberta. Old Col- wyn Price, grocer. Evaus, Cadwgan Stores Beer, Chemist, Abergele Road. Rhuddlan Roberts, grocer. Penmaen- mawr: Lewis, grocer, Co-operative Society. Wrexham i Williams, wholesale grocer. Ruthin Roberts, 2,Weil Street. Rossett: Edwards, grocer. Abergele Owain Jones, chemist. -I-ilo9o TEACHE- %;HLAND A" HIGHLAND CREAM (EACHERS .\G\lAND eREA;¡ X, -"e' ,rc,r; orOle 5 TEAC I E P Citioow & i 1 mB "EXTRA !MN ,1. leachtr* t Scrrtcb JBkWl '.i ,U, SPECIAL," jgjjj— (RLACK WHISKIES yuz.ilit, never Varies. ANDREWS & CO., .L1. ¡, I \d.J t r; ) The Old Vaults" Hjgb. Street SOLS FtIR DENBIGH.

■•cXo," I replied. She is going to live on here in order that you may not catch pa. It's all settled. That's the sole reason. l.ou'd never look at pa. would you, Miss Treherne?" Of course not, Salome. How can you talk in such a silly way You make me fee] quite uncomfortable. Now we won't talk any more about this ridiculous nonsense, but go out and take our walk." 0 o The next morning found Martha in my room in tears. Don't do it, mis6." she said. They're going to move you in to-day. Don't you sleep there. I tell ee. miss, that Zack wouldn't go on a6 he's adoing if there warn't something in that room as 'ud scare the life out of the bravest girl that ever lived. You say No,' miss. They won't thru you out, for they can't do without vou, and they can put a visitor in. I'm told I am to move your things, for a married couple are to occupy the Buttercup Room to-niglit. and until after the wedding. But there—there Why should you be frightened out of your sense?? Zaek's in an awful state about it. He says it'll do fo-r you. miss; he's convinced on the subject. Don't you go and sleep there." Thank you verv much indeed, Martha," I answered. 1 will think matters over." Martha left me. Her manner was certainly not reassuring, and I saw that the girl was really frightened. Salome had got up early p and sane into hcr sister's room. Vvhcn I was about half dressed she ran in to me. "Miss Treherne—you are not going to do it?" To do what. Salome?" To sleep in that awfvl room." Well, I ari afraid I must. I don't suppose it will be very dreadful, and. at any rate. I need not stay there more than two y 0 nights." "Then I'll tell you what," said the child, making a most heroic effort and her face turning ghastly white. "I will sleep there too. I won't stay all warm and cosy in Pearl's room while you are being frightened into another world. Once—a girl went mad in that room 1 And once—a man died there Justie found out all about it. Catch Justie not getting hold of any ekie. Justie knows; lie spoke to me last night, and saul that if they drove you there I was to sleep with you. But you won't go there—oh. you won't My dear little friend," I said—I took the trembling child in my arms and kissed and hugged her—" if I go to that room. I shall not be afraid. Only fear can injure people, and if you have no far nothing can happen, can it? As to your sleeping there with me. I couldn't hear of it. But 1 love you ever so much for proposing it. I do, my darling—I j do." CHAPTER XXIV. Shortly after breakfast I went downstairs and knocked at Sir Claude Malcolm's study door. He said, Come in in his courteous voice, and when he saw me rose at once, ex- pectantly. j Ali, Miss Treherne; take a chair, i please." He pushed one towards me. I sank iiito it. You have arranged matters. Sir Claude. so that 1. your governess, am to be subjected to the test." You have slept in the room for one night," he said at once; "you have only two more in which to endure your own nervous j terrors. On the day of Pearl'.s marriage I write you a cheque for ten thousand pounds. The test is worth going through. It means. let me tell you, a vast lot to me." "It must." I said. "The whole situation is very strange, and I do not know why a young girl should be subjected to it. There must be something the matter with the room, or—or you would not part with so much money." I will explain everything to you when you receive the cheque," waa the answer. "Then you think I will receive it? I an- swered. For your servant. Zack Yates, thinks otherwise." Sir Claude's face turned ghastly white. Zack? Zack?" he said. "Has Zack been tampering with you? Has Zack been talking? Confound that fellow and his slippery tongue!" J "He came into the Bluebell Room yester- day," I said. You know it was taken from Salome and me in order to be used as a bed- [ room. He was helping Martha, and he asked me to say the Lord's Prayer, and in especial to remember the words, Lead U6 not into temptation.' I presume that it is you who are offering the temptation when you men- II tion ten thousand pounds." Ha, ha Is that all? said Sir Claude, looking relieved. I did not tell him any more. After a pause I said: I have made up my mind. I will I sleep in the room." He sprang towards me and clasped both my hands. Oh. how I admire you he said. "And I swear, by high Heaven, that not a "And I swear, by high Heaven, that not a hair of your head shall be injured. Two nights—only two nights You can go to bed late and get up early. Think of earning five thousand pounds a night—think of it! Dare you hesitate?" "I have told you that I will sleep there— but on a condition." I thought there must be something be- hind," he remarked and his face now looked intensely gloomy. The fetory with regard to the Orchid Room gains strength as time proceeds." I said. It is no longer only whispered, it is spoken about on the house-tops. Justinian knows something about the room, so does Salome, and all the old servants of the house are well aware that there is a mystery. I am a young girl; why do you willingly subject me to P. horror which 1 shall probably have to live through in that room?" I want to prove by your peaceful nights that there is no horror." he answered. I spent,one night in that room," I said, t, I "and it was not peaceful." i He turned a queer sort of greeny grey, and walked a little distance from me. He 6tood still for a minute with his back to me, then he turned fiercely round. Girl! Is our compact on or off? Salome wants to share the room with me. She prefers it to sleeping in Pearl's room." That is impossible," said the baronet, 1 cannot permit it for a moment, There is no test, unless you stay in the room alone. By so doing, you prove once and for ever that the Orchid Room is as innocent as any other j room in the house, and I—I pay you—by j Jove I pay you handsomely, too. The rumour with regard to the Orchid Room," I continued, speaking very quietly. for I had long ago discovered that it was worse than useless to flv into rages with Sir Cl,iticlc-. "is not only confined to your two younger children and the servants, it has also reached the ears of Mr. Ward." Ward Who could have told him? Perhaps Salome, perhaps Justinian. I cannot tell you." But Pearl knows nothing about it." "That is probable," I answered. "But at any rate. Salome knows, and Justinian, and Mr. Ward. And Mr. Ward. who takes an interest in me because he knew me when I was a little girl, and because he knows my people, made me promise him before he went to Scotland that I would on no account what- soever sleep in that room without letting him know." What humbug said the baronet. But how can you let him know? I I am going out now to wire to him. He will receive the wire in the course of the day.. On no other condition can I accept your pro- posal. Sir Claude Malcolm." I left the room as I spoke. I heard Sir Claude calling me back. but took no notice. I felt exactly like one in a dream. I went up to the Bluebell Room. It was already in dis- order. Things had come to such a pass in the house that I had now not a corner to call my own. How could I endure, life? My very heart was bursting. But even now I had little j or no fear. The anguish of my passionate love for Denis Ward was crushing out all other sensations. To please him, to help him, to save him from the awful marriage which he contemplated, I would spend, not two nights but a year in that awful room. "Oh, Denis!" I murmured under my breath; and then I said "Oh. Deiiis again. And then I laughed at myself for being a silly fool, and tried to face my very disaial future. 1 was fortunate in getting out without, Salome seeing me. I reached the post-office. and sent a telegram to Denis. In the tele- gram I 6aid Nothing to fear. Am sleeping in the Orchid Room to-night and to-morrow night. —BELINDA TREHERNE." This I addressed fully, saw that it was &ent off, and left the post-office. I felt a queer sense of relief afterwards jast as though Denis, although so far away, were guarding me. I felt sure that if it were within the power of mortal man he would not allow any mischief to occur to me. When I returned to the house all my things were in the Orchid Room, which wae made up to look bright, and pretty, and cosy. In fact, it would require a good deal of super- stition to attach any terror to the apartment in the broad light of day. I knew, however, what the night would bring forth, but I would not think of the night just then. By now, Denis would have got my telegram. His thoughts would be with me, as assuredly my thoughts were with him. During lunch I received a telegram on my own account. I opened it with some trepida- tion. It was from my mother. She said that I Sophy was not well, was anxious to see me, and would be glad if I could return home at once. I was sitting not very far from Sir Claude, and I jessed the telegram up to him. I He read the contents. "You can go the day after the wedding." he said. I will give you a fortnight's holi- day." "But can I not go to-day?" I answered. "Mother would not telegraph unless there were reason." You cannot go to-day," he replied. z;' He looked at me attentively, and with such a searching, commanding expression in his eyes that I did not dare to say a word. I made up my mind, however, that if Sophy were in any sort of danger I would brave Sir Claude and go back to Cornwall by the night train. I accordingly wired to mother to ask her the question. The reply came between six and seven No occasion for you to come until after the wedding." Alack and alas! Dear mother! How I wished that she could have found it in her heart to wire otherwise "Good news, eh?" said Sir Claude, com- ing up to my side at that moment. "I can stay with you until after the wed- ding," I replied. Then that's all right." he said, rubbing his hands. You must have plenty of cham- pagne at dinner to-night. It docs a girl good. It is excellent for the nerves." "I thought you believed me tr, be a person without nerves," I replied. Miss Treherne." said Salome at that moment, you certainly are the favoured person to-day. Why, here's a third telegram fo" you. Who can be wiring now?" Sir Claude looked fixedly and hungrily at the little envelope. I guessed somehow that it must be from Denis. "Open it," said the baronet. "Don't mind me." I did so. There were a few words within. Will protect you. Hold out until three in the morning.—DENIS WARD." "Who is your telegram from?" said the baronet. I folded it up and slipped it into my pocket. It's quite a private telegram." I said. There is no answer. Salome, will you tell the meesen^er? Salome gave me a curious glance, then darted out of the room. I saw that the baronet was suspicious; but he was always much kinder than Mrs. Wolcombe. who would have tried to probe my nature to the very depths if she could. When I got down- stairs—yes, to the dreadful Orchid Room, in which a fire was burning brightly—I opened the precious telegram and read its contents again. I pressed the flirrsy sheet of paper to my lips. then thrust it inside my dress. Surely, such a telegram must act as a talisman I wore it next mv heart at dinner that evening, aad I do not think I felt at all afraid. Rather to my relief than otherwise, Salome wae sent off early to bed. I could not bear to look at the chid's white, drawn, and terri- fied face. If only for the sake of little Salome, I would not allow any terror whicfc might await me in that room to overcome that splendid set of nerves given to me by Al- mighty God. fostered by fresh air. and healthy, wholesome living. "The child did not even kiss me as she went off to bed, but Jus- tinian, who had come into the room, fixed his big hungry eve6 on my face. "What are you up for. Justie?" said his father. Be eff to bed with you at once. How can you get through your lessons if you sit up so late? I wanted to look at Miss Treherne," said the boy. None of your impertienece, but go to bed thIs mmutc Justinian slowly rose. As he did so be passed my chair, knocking his ungainly figure against it—as I afterwards knew—on purpose. I raised my head to look at him. and saw in his hand a little note. I would not raise my hand to accept it, but as I failed to do so a scowl came over his face and he dropped it into my lap. Then he left the room. I did not want the boy to get into trouble, so I slipped his note into my pocket. By-and-bye the whole party separated for the night, and Pearl said she was tired. Mrs. Wolcombe declared she was never tired but she looked wearied to death. Sir Claude hur- ried off to his own apartments without even wishing me good-night. As I went up the dreary ntairs which led to the wing where the Orchid Room was situated, I found myself practically alone. Most of the electric light had been put out. I looked at The clock. It was on the stroke of midnight. In three hours I should be pro- tected. How. and in what way. could Denis— who was in Scol,land-effect his object? I could not tell; nevertheless, I felt certain that if I could survive the next three hours I was safe, for Denis Ward was the la-st man on earth to make a promise and not carry it out. I found the Orchid Room bright with electric light, but was astonished to see that, owing to some carelessness on the part of the ser- vants, the fire wan out. It must have been out for some time. for on going up' to the grate I discovered that it was perfectly cold. This was a tmall matter, however. I would hurry to bed. Surely I could live for three short hours without harm coming nigh me or terror touching me. Suddenly I remembered Justinian's note. I took the crumpled scroll out of my pocket, smoothed it out, and read as follows I admire your pluck. When they're all ab.ed. I mean to drag my mattrr.ss. within an inch or two of the door of the Orchid Room; so if you want anyone, scream out, and I'm handy.—JUSTINIAN." Poor boy I could not help savin, to myself. Surely there never was a girl possessed of so many staunch friends. I re- called the time wher. I had almost hated Jus- tinian now I liked him. He and Salome were at least siiic-ere. They wished me well. I was too restless to go to bed at once, and. of course, as invariably happens when one is ex- cited, the time went slowly. I began to walk about the room and examine it with care. It is true I had slept there before, but I had never looked round this chamber with the penetration and acumen that I did that night. The walls of the room were painted a smooth ivory white. There was a frieze round the top, composed of hand-painted orchids, doubtless done with extreme bcautv. The room was somewhat long-twice as long as it was broad. The fireplace was at one end. and I now saw for the first time that it was re- markably large. Just above the fireplace was an old-fashioned marble mantelpiece, on which a clock, made of oak. was placed. The woodwork of this clock was painted white so as to correspond with the walls. It was a pendulum clock, and the pendulum hung in the bottom part of the case, which had a glass front to it. There were two windows to the room. and both were on one side. The bed was placed against the wall opposite the two windows. I sat down on the edge of the bed. folded my hands in my lap. and thought. The clock pursued its even course—tick-tack, tick-tack. I thought of Longfellow's poem of the Old Clock oa the Stairs, and it seemed to me that this cluck, too. said i"ur ever, never- never. for ever." It had a slow movement. I waited for it to strike the half-hour. It did so. It was now half-past twelve. The house was in absolute silence eyer, soul must be asleep. Why ,shouldI. a healthy young girl, one who had spent a busy day. lie awake? I determined to put my fears aside. Ten thousand pounds was a sum worth winxfing. I would prove to all the silly people in the house that the Orchid Room was no different from any other room. I undressed and got into bed. As I did so, I switched off the electric light. "I will sleep," I said to myself. "As a rule I am a sound sleeper. I will sleep well to-night notwithstanding Zack. for Denis Ward. in some sort of way. is going to protect me, and Justinian isn't very far away." Then I dozed off into the land of dreams. [TJ 'ItC CGTldudtd.) 4-