The swift, inexplicable change of countenance could be compared only with the startled alertness of a drowsing fox when his dim, snug covert echoes the first far-off blast of the coming hunter's horn. In every life some alluring vision of Arden beckons and beguiles, and to this successful man, basking in the golden glamor of a satisfying attainment of his aim, came suddenly an ominous baying of the bloodhounds of retributive destiny. "You have bad news, Judge Kent?" He made no answer, and she seized his arm. "What is the dreadful news that distresses you?" As he turned his eyes upon her, all their light and color seemed faded to a dull glassiness, and his voice shook like a hysterical woman's. "News--did you say? No--I have received no news. None whatever." "Then what ails you? I shall call Eglah." She turned, but he clutched her skirt. "For God's sake, don't ever tell her! Why grieve the child? The truth is--" He caught his breath, and a sickly smile showed how his mouth trembled, as he swept his hand across his brow. "You are sick?" "Oh, yes--sick; that is it exactly. Sick--sick indeed. Some oysters I ate, and cheese; later I very foolishly drank ale." "Then, sir, you must go to bed, and Eglah will send an explanation of your unavoidable absence from the dinner." Upstairs a door was opened, and a sweet, girlish voice trilled two bars of a Venetian barcarolle. Judge Kent threw out his arms appealingly. "I must go to-night. For God's sake, don't let her know anything! Say nothing. I shall tell her I was a little faint from indigestion. Vile compound--oysters, ale, Roquefort! Promise me to hold your tongue; not for my sake, but hers. I am obliged to attend this dinner, and it would spoil her evening if she knew how deadly sick--I--really was a moment ago. Promise me." "Very well. I suppose you know best what concerns you most. I promise." "You are the only woman I ever knew upon whom I could rely to hold her tongue. Now, quick as you can, bring the decanter of brandy to my room. Amuse the child with her frills and finery while I dress. I must have a little time." When she carried the brandy to his door, the hand that grasped it was icy, and the other tugged ineffectually at his white tie. Humming her boat-song, Eglah trailed silken draperies down the winding stairs and into the library, where she courtesied low to Eliza and swept her train--like a peacock's plumes--up to the grate, putting one slippered foot on the brass fender. She was gowned in green crepe of an uncommon tint, that held multitudinous silvery lights in its crinkled texture, and when she moved they glistened and played hide and seek in the clinging folds. Around her fair, full throat a rope of emeralds coiled twice.