"'It chances,' I replied, humbly, 'that the instruments of vice may sometimes loathe the work they do. The fearful executioner may, behind his mask, hide the traces of grief and pity. I do not blame you for your suspicions. I once had aspirations, perhaps as high, and purity of soul nearly as great as your own. But what are we? The creatures of fate; the victims of circumstances. We look upon the Medusa-head of destiny, with its serpent curls, and our wills, if not our souls, are turned into stone. God alone, who knows all, can judge the heart of man. But I am pledged, by ties the most awful, to a society which, however terrible its methods may be, is, in its grand conceptions, charitable and just. My life would not be worth a day's purchase if I did not defend you. One of your friends stands high in that society.' "'Which one is that?' she asked eagerly. "'The smaller and darker one,' I replied. "'Can you tell me anything about the other?' she asked, and a slight blush seemed to mantle her face, as if she were ashamed of the question. "'Very little,' I replied; 'he is not a member of our Brotherhood; but he is a brave man, and the friend of Mr. Maximilian can not be a bad man.' "'No,' she said, thoughtfully; 'he is of a good and noble nature, and it is in him I trust.' "'But,' said I, 'I must leave you, or the Prince will wonder at my long absence.' "As I took my departure I heard her locking the door behind me. I reported to the Prince that Miss Washington was quite ill, and confined to her bed, but that she hoped to do herself the honor of calling upon him the next day. He looked glum, but assented. Upon leaving him, I called upon Frederika and requested her to come to my room. In a few moments she appeared. After seating her I said: "'Miss Frederika, will you pardon me if I ask you a few questions upon matters of importance to both of us?' "'Certainly,' she replied. "'In the first place,' I said, 'you regard me as your friend, do you not? Have I not always shown a disposition to serve you?' "She replied with some pleasant smiles and assurances of friendship. "'Now let me ask you another question,' I continued. 'Do you entertain friendly sentiments to Miss Estella?" "'Indeed I do,' she replied; 'she is a sweet-tempered, innocent and gentle girl.' "'I am glad to hear it,' I said; 'did you know that the Prince has discovered her, and has just sent me for her?' "Her large black eyes fairly blazed. "'Who has told him of her?' she asked, fiercely, and her voice rose high and shrill. "'Your enemy, Miss Celestine,' I replied. 'I suspected as much,' she said. "''I need not tell you,' I said, 'that Celestine's motive was to supplant and humble you.' "'I understand that,' she replied, and her hands twitched nervously, as if she would like to encounter her foe. "'Now let me ask you another question,' I continued. 'Would you not be glad to see Estella safely out of this house?' "'Indeed I would,' she replied, eagerly.